Branson Missouri History

Today you may know Branson as the "live music capital of the world"; however, it had a very humble beginning in the 1800’s with only a small store at a riverboat stop. Today, it has so much more than just one tiny supply store it has over 40 theaters with 60,000 theater seats, over 70 live theater shows, over 200 lodging facilities with over 23,000 lodging rooms, 5,000 camping spaces, over 350 restaurants, three lakes, 9 golf courses, over 200 retail outlets, several attractions, caves to explore and year round activities and entertainment.

A glimpse into Branson's history:

In 1837, Forsyth, a very important river town was named the county seat of Taney County.

In 1882, a small store was opened by Rueben Branson, which also became the post office.

In 1884, people began to make the Ozarks their new home with free land, which started with homesteads on 160-acre lots.

In 1894, a cave found outside of Branson was purchased by William Henry Lynch which is today one of the largest tourist attractions in Branson in the center of Silver Dollar City.

In 1903, Branson was a vision for the founder with an industrial center planned that would spawn trainloads of lumber, logs, and manufactured products to the world outside the Ozarks.

In 1904, to accommodate the travelers and fishermen, resorts, a hotel, a livery stable and even a bank was opened.

In 1907, Tourist flocked the area after a book written by Harold Bell Wright was published entitled "The Shepherd of the Hills." The book became a nationwide best seller.

In 1912, Branson became incorporated on April 1st with 1200 residents and the idea of a vacation resort was materializing. Such companies as The Winch Spoke Company, which built spokes and wagon parts and American Pencil Company, which created a logging factory, were two of the major industries to choose Branson for their locations. However, the business section burned but was rebuilt. The creation of the Powersite Dam on Lake Taneycomo was began in 1912 and completed in 1913.

In 1914, The Civic League was created by the women of Branson which aided in beautify the streets, establish parks, and making life better in their community.

After World War II, many people began to call the Branson area home.

In 1949, The Marvel Cave was purchased by Hugo and Mary Herschend and they began to have square dances in the cave. A large 28 feet tall crèche’s figures were created and constructed on the bluff of Mount Branson by Steve Miller and Joe Todd. The first lighting was on December 1st, which was named the Adoration Scene.

In 1953, The Adoration Scene was growing crowds from all over and the Chamber of Commerce started the Adoration Parade, which was soon very popular along with many other historical parades. More than 30,000 people each year visit Branson today to see the Adoration Scene on December 1st.

In 1959, The Baldknobbers Hillbilly Jamboree Show was the first show that opened in Branson.

In 1960, Silver Dollar City opened as a theme park and Shepherd of the Hills opened its Old Mill Theater.

The Presley family started a music show in the Underground Theatre, which is known today as Talking Rocks Cavern.

In 1963, the largest man-made lake in the area was created with the completion of Table Rock Dam.

In 1964, The Baldknobbers moved their music show to a downtown theater in Branson.

In 1967, the first theater on Hwy 76 was opened by the Presley family.

In 1968, After the Presley family opened the theater on Hwy 76; others began to join including the Baldknobbers and the Plummer Family Music Show.

In 1974, Once again, Hwy 76 was growing with The Foggy River Boys moving from Kimberling City to Hwy 76. Mutton Hollow Entertainment Park opened this same year.

In 1981, this year saw the completion of The Wilkerson Brothers Theater, Hee Haw Theater and Starlite Theater.

In 1983, Tourism was still going strong. The Swiss Villa with 7,500 seats opened. The Lowe Family moved to Hwy 76, which is known as The Strip. In Silver Dollar City, The Roy Clark Celebrity Theater, The Thunderbird Theater, and the Echo Hollow Amphitheater opened their doors.

In 1984, in the old Lowe’s Theater, the Braschlers Music show opened. At Lowe’s Theater, Musicland USA, Lester Family and The Sons of the Pioneers opened.

In 1986, The Texans/Bob-O-Links Music Show opened and the Ozark Mountain Amphitheater opened their doors with 8,500 seats available.

In 1987, “Box Car Willie" went down in history for becoming the first celebrity entertainer to open his own theater and to perform on a permanent schedule.

In 1988, The Factory Merchants Mall is created and the very first Ozark Mountain Christmas is seen.

In 1991, “Time” magazine published a story about what they discovered in Branson with all the attractions and activities. Soon after other media began to let out the secret the Ozarks were hiding with Branson, such as "People," "The Los Angeles Times" and the "Wall Street Journal." "60 Minutes" all put the spotlight on this family vacation.

As you can see, Branson, Missouri changed drastically every year by adding more family entertainment, activities and of course excitement for everyone. Today you can find such theaters and stars as Ray Stevens, Moe Bandy, Buck Trent, Mel Tillis, Andy Williams, Willie Nelson, Jim Stafford, Kenny Rogers, Pump Boys and Dinettes, John Davidson, Tony Orlando, Bobby Vinton, Five Star Theater, Yakov Smirnoff, IMAX, Branson Scenic Railways, Wayne Newton, Charley Pride, Welk Resort & Champagne Theater, $25,000 Game Show, Will Rogers Follies, Radio City Rockettes and Country Tonite, The Dixie Stampede, Showboat Branson Belle, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tony Bennett, and LeeAnn Rymes all have entertained and many have permanent shows at Branson.