Chautauqua Auditorium (Waxahachie, Texas) facts for kids
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Waxahachie Chautauqua Building
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Chautauqua Building in 2016
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 Waxahachie Chautauqua Building
Location in Texas
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| Location | Getzendaner Park, Waxahachie, Texas |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1902 |
| MPS | Waxahachie MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002070 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 3, 1974 |
The Chautauqua Auditorium is a cool performance hall in Waxahachie, Texas. You can find it in Getzendaner Memorial Park. This building was finished in 1902. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 3, 1974. The hall can hold 2,500 people. It is special because it is shaped like an octagon, which means it has eight sides! Today, the auditorium hosts concerts by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. It also has many country music shows and other fun events.
History of the Chautauqua Auditorium
The Chautauqua Auditorium was built in 1902. The Waxahachie Chautauqua Park Association built it. They needed a big place for their annual Chautauqua gatherings. These gatherings had been happening in Waxahachie since 1899.
What were Chautauqua gatherings? They were like big educational and entertainment festivals. People would come together to learn and enjoy performances. Famous speakers and performers came to the auditorium. These included William Jennings Bryan and Will Rogers. They shared their ideas and talents with the crowds.
The hall got a makeover in 1974. This helped keep it in good shape. In 1977, the auditorium hosted the Open Road Music Festival. It continues to be an important place for events in Waxahachie.
