In the 1890s, San Diegans believed the finest theater west of Chicago could be found in the opulent Fisher Opera House on Fourth Street. Glittering productions drew sellout crowds to the 1,400-seat Romanesque style building. But not everyone was permitted to enjoy the local theater. In 1897, the popular playhouse was the scene of an ugly incident of racial prejudice.

The story of “Anderson v. Fisher,” a Case of Discrimination.