Cotaco Opera House

The Cotaco Opera House, also known as Masonic Building, was the first opera house constructed in the state of Alabama. It is located at 115 Johnston Street in historic downtown Decatur, Alabama.

Location115 Johnson St. SE, Decatur, Alabama

Coordinates34°36′10″N 86°59′9″W

Built1890

Part ofNew Decatur–Albany Historic District (ID95000810)

Quick facts Location, Coordinates ...

Cotaco Opera House
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district – Contributing property
Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage
The Cotaco Opera House in July 2010
Location	115 Johnson St. SE, Decatur, Alabama
Coordinates	34°36′10″N 86°59′9″W
Built	1890
Part of	New Decatur–Albany Historic District (ID95000810)
NRHP reference No.	86000914 [1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	April 29, 1986
Designated CP	July 7, 1995
Designated ARLH	November 5, 1976[2]

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In 1889, the city of Decatur was the largest city in North Alabama, out-sizing Huntsville. It had become increasingly apparent that the city was in need of a theater to showcase its fine arts. The Opera House was built on a 100 by 140 foot site that ran south from Johnston Street and fronting on the east side of 1st Avenue. It was built by the Cotaco Opera House Company, which was incorporated on September 16, 1889.^[3]