The Fulton Opera House was built in October 1852 when Christopher Hager constructed the 4-story Fulton Hall on the exercise yards of the original site of the Lancaster County Prison. The opera house quickly became an important cultural center for Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The Fulton Opera House is the oldest continuously performing theater house in the United States. Events include theatrical performances, public meetings and lectures, and concerts and recitals.

The Fulton was once used as a prison and is considered haunted.