This unusual, octagonal, 2500-seat, open-air auditorium was built in 1902 to accommodate the throngs of people attending the annual Chautauqua Assembly of educational, inspiring, and entertaining programs presented by scholars, artists, and teachers.
The Chautauqua movement was a highly popular national adult education program which originated in 1874 on the shore of Lake Chautauqua in New York. Chautauqua “assemblies” spread across the nation until the mid-1920s when their popularity waned due to developments in radio and transportation. However, even today some people still refer to a philosophical conversation as a “Chautauqua.”
This is the only known original Chautauqua building surviving in Texas and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
400 South Grand Ave.
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Contact for program schedules and pricing.