Built in 1935, the Gadsden Amphitheater is a 1600-seat open-air arena designed by local architect Paul W. Hofferbert and a significant example of the rustic stone construction typical of the 1930's Works Progress Administration. The amphitheater and adjacent auditorium, both W.P.A. projects, were called the Gadsden Civic Center prior to 1960. Through the efforts of local citizens Benny Dean and Floyd Beddingfield, the City of Gadsden obtained the facility from American Legion Post Number 5 in 1985. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.