AREA ATTRACTIONS - STAFFORD OPERA HOUSE 2nd LARGEST OAK TREE IN TEXAS, BEASON’S PARK, NESBITT MEMORIAL LIBRARY, LIVE OAK ART CENTER

LOCAL TREASURES Must see sites in Columbus

Visitors will want to experience all of these Columbus gems.

There are many big oak trees in Columbus, Texas but there’s only one that can proudly attest to being the second largest live oak in Texas and it’s known as the Columbus Oak. The largest live oak in Texas, by the way, is the Big Tree near Rockport. Even though Columbus Oak is currently in second place in the state, it’s still a sight to behold. In addition to this magnificent live oak, there are plenty of others to be found in Columbus’ parks, schoolyards and cemeteries. To find the second largest live oak tree in Texas, travel west from the courthouse on Walnut Street. The tree is on the right, directly opposite the Columbus Tire Center. Parking on the shoulder is limited.

The Nesbitt Memorial Library is the municipal library of the City of Columbus, Texas. It is named in honor of the family of Lee Quinn Nesbitt who financed the construction of the building. In keeping with the wishes of Lee Quinn Nesbitt, the library’s donor and benefactor, the library places a strong emphasis on the history, genealogy, literature, and culture of Texas and local residents. The Nesbitt Memorial Library’s mission is to encourage all of the citizens of the community to use the library by providing them with the highest quality library materials that meet their needs in a positive spirit of service under the budgetary specifications of the city. You can find the library at 529 Washington Street in Columbus.

When it was originally built in 1886 by cattleman R. E. Stafford, the R. E. Stafford Bank and Opera House housed a bank and dry goods store on the first floor and theater venue on the second floor. The cornerstone displays a steer head and lariat, as ranching was Mr. Stafford’s main source of income. Although called an opera house, no evidence of an opera ever being performed on stage has been uncovered. The opera house designation was common for live theaters during this time period. The Stafford Opera House’s Second Empire-style design is attributed to architect Nicholas Joseph Clayton, an advocate of the High Victorian movement. The last performance at the Stafford Opera House during that era was in 1916. Mrs. Stafford sold the building to Mr. Guilmartin, the owner of the local Ford Motor Company dealership. Mr. Guilmartin moved his dealership to the first floor of the building. In addition to the Ford dealership, the building has served as an arena for basketball games and boxing matches as well as a roller skating rink. During the latter part of World War II, private apartments were built in the stage area of the second floor. In 1972, the Magnolia Homes Tour, Inc. (now the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust, Inc.) bought the property for $30,000 and began restoration efforts. Eighteen years and $1.3 million later, the Stafford Opera House was lovingly restored to its former glory and rededicated in 1990. Tours of the 1886 Stafford Opera House may be arranged by contacting the Columbus Chamber of Commerce at 979-732-8385.

How about a trip down the river? Paddling the Colorado River through the town of Columbus you have the opportunity to see wildflowers, birds, turtles and more!

The Columbus Oak is the second largest oak tree in Texas.

This 6.5 mile trail can take anywhere from two to five hours to complete and the peaceful waters and calm rapids will give you a wonderful day on the river. Come see the new and improved take-out at Beason’s Park, where you can rest at one of the many shaded picnic tables. You will also find free parking, restrooms and a pavilion. Beason’s Park is located on Highway 90 (Walnut Street) near the East River Bridge, just one block from downtown Columbus.

The historical marker at Beason’s Park reads as follows: Benjamin Beason, one of Stephen F. Austin’s original 300 colonists, settled by a widely used Colorado River crossing near here in 1822. He and his wife Elizabeth proceeded to build a large home (also used as an inn) and established a gristmill, sawmill, gin, and ferry operation at the crossing. His residence and business operations and a scattering of homesteads in the area formed a settlement known as Beason’s Crossing. In the early spring of 1836 Beason found his home, family, and complex of commercial buildings in the perilous position in between Sam Houston’s Army, camped on the east bank of the Colorado River opposite Beason’s crossing, and a Mexican Army led by General Juaquin Ramirez y Sesma fast approaching from the west. Houston had chosen this site to camp because of its strategic location at the edge of the most populous part of Texas. With his 1500 troops in position, Houston is said to have declared, “on the Colorado I make my stand.” Notwithstanding this bold declaration, Houston unexpectedly removed his Army to the Brazos River on March 26th. Beason’s crossing was subsequently burned to the ground by a detachment of Houston’s Army scarcely hours before the arrival of Sesma’s Army. Sam Houston Bicentennial 1793 - 1993

Dedicated to promoting the fine arts, expanding art education, and enhancing cultural enrichment, the Live Oak Art Center is proud to offer a robust permanent collection, a diverse and exciting exhibition schedule, and a variety of community education programs. The Live Oak Art Center is located at 1014 Milam Street in Columbus. The Gallery is open Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is always free. You can view the Live Oak Art Center online at liveoakartcenter. org.

Sources: https://www.columbushpt.com https://tpwd.texas.gov https://www.hmdb.org https://www.liveoakartcenter.org Susan Chandler of the Nesbitt Memorial Library reads to children during story hour.

The Stafford Opera House in downtown Columbus is the largest flat-floored opera house in Texas.

Beason’s Park offers visitors picnic areas, a boat ramp, soccer fields and recreational areas.

The Live Oak Art Center displays artists work, offers classes, and various other programs in downtown Columbus.

This piece is by Amanda Danning.