| Cotaco Opera House | |
| Nrhp Type: | nrhp |
| Location: | 115 Johnson St. SE, Decatur, Alabama |
| Coordinates: | 34.6028°N -86.9858°W |
| Built: | 1890 |
| Added: | April 29, 1986 |
| Refnum: | 86000914 |
| Nocat: | yes |
| Nrhp Type2: | indcp |
| Partof: | New Decatur–Albany Historic District |
| Partof Refnum: | 95000810 |
| Designated Nrhp Type2: | July 7, 1995 |
| Designated Other1: | ARLH |
| Designated Other1 Date: | November 5, 1976[1] |
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.
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.[2]