Hauschild Opera House in 1893. (Victoria Regional History Center, VC/UHV Library)
George Herman and Adele Lauder Hauschild, 1884
Joe P. Wagner's Silver Cornet Band in front of Hauschild Opera House, 1882. (Victoria Regional History Center, VC/UHV Library)
Hiller House
Many Germans settled in Victoria, joining an array of Mexicans, Americans, Jews, Italians, and Bohemians in the diverse gateway community. Businessman George Herman Hauschild, a German immigrant, opened an opera house in Victoria in 1894, putting on Vaudeville shows, plays, and silent movies. A music store occupied the lower floor of the opera house. Today, the building has been restored and serves as an event venue.
The home of another prominent family is that of Friedrich and Margaretha Hiller. After arriving in Texas from Württemberg, Germany, around 1851, the Hillers helped found a Lutheran church in town later that year and began buying up land in 1855. Their home, now used as the headquarters for Keep Victoria Beautiful, is the oldest extant structure in town.
Hauschild Opera House
- Currently operates as an event venue.
- 202 E. Forrest St., Victoria, TX
- 361-433-1582
- National Register of Historic Places
Hiller House
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Athey Nature Area open dawn to dusk.
- 500 N. Vine St., Victoria, TX
- 361-571-0582
