Claim: Historic Springer Opera House in Columbus, Georgia first opened in 1871 and has hosted legendary performers such as "The First American Lady of Theatre," Ethel Barrymore, "The March King," John Philip Sousa, and poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde.
Evidence: The Springer Opera House is a historic theater at 103 Tenth Street in Downtown Columbus, Georgia. First opened February 21, 1871, the theater was named the State Theatre of Georgia by Governor Jimmy Carter for its 100th anniversary season, a designation made permanent by the 1992 state legislature. The Springer has hosted legendary performers such as Edwin Booth, Oscar Wilde, Ethel Barrymore, Agnes de Mille, and bandleader John Philip Sousa. Barrymore was a stage, screen and radio actress whose career spanned six decades, and was regarded as "The First Lady of the American Theatre". He is known as "The March King" or the "American March King", to distinguish him from his British counterpart Kenneth J. Alford. Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (16 October 1854 – 30 November 1900) was an Irish poet and playwright.