[3] As new railroads brought travelers through Monticello, the town hoped to build hotels and cultural attractions that would profit from the new tourist industry.

The second floor of the Perkins Block included a large foyer and an opera house boasting unparalleled acoustics and the largest stage in the region.

For several years, performances included both professional touring groups and local vaudeville productions, such as The Mikado and She Stoops to Conquer.

In 1972, the vision of a handful of interested people saved the opera house, with its falling plaster and leaking roof, from the destruction of the wrecker's ball.

In a joint effort with the Florida Department of State, Division of Historic Resources, a restoration project was completed in the area of the original stairway leading to the auditorium balcony.

A $50,000 matching grant from the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources resulted in the hiring of Riley Palmer Construction to complete this long desired renovation.

The Monticello Opera House is used for a variety of events including children's theater, murder mystery dinners and large musicals.