M. M. Long’s Livery Stable & Opera House Plaque

M. M. Long’s Livery Stable & Opera House. It housed more than just horses and sopranos. It was a microcosm of Austin’s evolving identity in the late 19th century. M. M. Long and his family arrived in Austin from Bastrop in the early 1860s. They established a business at 901 Congress Avenue, the very spot where this plaque stands. The ground floor of M. M. Long’s Livery Stable & Opera House served as the livery stable. It housed the horses for Long’s stage line. This stagecoach route connected Austin to Burnet and Lampasas. Imagine the hustle and bustle of stagecoaches departing and arriving, horses being tended to, and the scent of hay and leather permeating the air. Upstairs, a different kind of magic unfolded. The second floor housed Long’s Opera House. This wasn’t just a venue for operas. It hosted public meetings, concerts, and community gatherings. It served as a social hub for the growing city. In 1866, the opera house even took on a more official role. It temporarily became a Federal courtroom, showcasing the building’s adaptability and importance to the community. By 1900, the second story was home to an Odd Fellows hall. Over the years, M. M. Long’s Livery Stable & Opera House has been a publishing company, a saloon, a billiard parlor, and various retail stores. It housed tobacco, drug, jewelry, and dry goods merchants, reflecting the changing needs and desires of Austin’s residents. The building at 901 Congress Avenue has witnessed Austin’s transformation. From a frontier town to a bustling state capital, this building stands as a testament to the city’s rich history. M. M. Long’s Livery Stable & Opera House served as a vital center of commerce, transportation, and entertainment. It mirrored the city’s own growth and evolution.