Branson, Missouri – Hillbillies to State of the Art
Branson, Missouri, nestled within the rugged beauty of the Ozark Mountains in the southwestern reaches of the state, has blossomed from a humble settlement into a vibrant entertainment mecca. Its strategic location along the serene Lake Taneycomo has long made it a desirable destination for vacationers. While the region’s natural allure initially drew visitors seeking tranquility, the late 1950s marked a pivotal turning point, initiating Branson’s transformation into a dynamic hub for performers and a diverse array of attractions that continue to captivate throngs of tourists today.
The story of Branson begins long before the bright lights and bustling theaters. In 1882, an enterprising individual named Ruben Branson established a general store and post office, catering to the burgeoning community of settlers who were drawn to the area’s abundant wildlife and fertile lands. The White River, teeming with fish, quickly became a focal point, fostering the community’s early prosperity. In 1895, agriculture diversified with the successful cultivation of tomatoes. This led to the construction of a cannery in neighboring Stone County, providing a means to preserve and transport the harvest. Canned tomatoes were loaded onto paddle wheel boats that navigated the White River, launching an industry that thrived for more than seven decades.
The early 20th century witnessed the growth of farming communities surrounding the Branson Post Office. A handle factory, tobacco barn, cotton gin, and steamboat landing at the waterfront all contributed to the local economy. Tobacco emerged as the dominant agricultural crop, shaping the landscape and livelihoods of the region’s inhabitants until 1959, when the creation of Table Rock Lake submerged many of the tobacco farms beneath its waters. Education was also a priority, with the first schoolhouse perched atop a hill overlooking the burgeoning downtown area. The settlement initially adopted the name of its first postmaster. However, in 1901, William Hawking, the second postmaster, renamed the post office Lucia, a change that would ultimately be short-lived.
The arrival of the Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad in 1903 proved to be a transformative event for Branson. Suddenly, the area’s unspoiled beauty became accessible to visitors from far and wide. The Railroad Company initiated construction below the Lucia Post Office, acquiring land for rights of way and other infrastructure. A portion of this property was designated for a new town, overseen by Charles Fulbright, the president of the Branson Town Company. Fulbright meticulously laid out and filed the town plat of Branson on October 26, 1903. Interestingly, another town plat for Lucia had been filed by B.B. Price earlier that month, on October 2. However, by the end of November, Fulbright had acquired both town sites, and the name Branson ultimately prevailed, solidifying its place on the map.
By 1904, Branson boasted a growing array of businesses and services, including a general store, two saloons, a rooming house, and the services of two doctors. That same year, the town was connected to the outside world with its first telephone line, further facilitating communication and commerce.
Late in 1905, the community gained its first newspaper, The Branson Echo, which served as a vital source of local news and information. The following year marked another significant milestone: the arrival of the first regular passenger train. This brought a wave of businessmen, speculators, and tourists eager to experience the Ozarks. With the opening of the "Maine Fishing and Hunting Lodge," guided tours of Marvel Cave by the Lynch sisters, and the increasing popularity of float and fishing trips, Branson solidified its reputation as a burgeoning tourist destination.
Harold Bell Wright, a Kansas minister struggling with tuberculosis, found solace and inspiration in the Branson area. He frequented the region during the summers, immersing himself in the culture of the local hill folk, exploring the depths of Marvel Cave, and reveling in the surrounding natural beauty. Wright was so captivated by the people and landscape that he penned his best-selling novel, "Shepherd of the Hills," which was published in 1907. The book’s immense popularity drew thousands of new visitors to Branson, further cementing its status as a must-see destination.
On April 1, 1912, Branson officially incorporated as a city, with a population of approximately 1,200 residents. To cater to the growing influx of tourists, new businesses emerged, including a commercial ice plant, a soft drink bottling plant, a candy factory, and an ice cream factory conveniently located near the waterfront.
The construction of the Ozark Beach Dam at Powersite on the White River in 1913 led to the creation of Lake Taneycomo. This pristine lake quickly became a haven for bass fishermen, attracting anglers from across the country. The area’s accessibility by both car and train further fueled the growth of tourism, with statistics indicating an average of 27,000 visitors during the summer months.
Following World War II, Branson attracted a new wave of residents: craftsmen, artists, and retirees seeking a peaceful and inspiring environment. In the late 1940s, the Hugo Herschend family leased Marvel Cave from the Lynch daughters and embarked on a series of improvements, enhancing the cave’s accessibility and appeal to visitors.
Recognizing that not all visitors were able or willing to venture into the depths of Marvel Cave, Mrs. Herschend sought to provide entertainment for those waiting above ground. She collaborated with local women, showcasing their craft-making skills to the tourists. This humble beginning marked the genesis of what would eventually become Silver Dollar City, a renowned theme park that celebrates Ozark heritage and craftsmanship.
Construction of Table Rock Dam commenced in 1954 and concluded in 1959. In the same year, the Mabes family from Springfield, Missouri, launched the Ozarks Jubilee, a musical show that initially took place in the basement of Branson City Hall, accommodating an audience of fifty people on folding chairs.
Silver Dollar City, named for the silver dollars used to give customers change, officially opened in 1960 under the direction of the Herschend family. The park featured a single street of shops and a stagecoach ride, offering a glimpse into the past. Tourists flocked to the area in increasing numbers to enjoy the newly formed Table Rock Lake, the Herschends’ 1890s-themed Silver Dollar City, and the Trimbles’ new outdoor theater at the Shepherd of the Hills Farm.
In the late 1960s, another musical family, the Presleys, established a simple metal building on the road west of Branson and began entertaining tourists with their lively performances. By the 1970s, motels were springing up throughout the area, and nationally recognized stars, inspired by the success of performers like Roy Clark and Box Car Willie, began to relocate to Branson, further solidifying its status as a music destination.
Today, Branson boasts more theater seats than Broadway, and a constellation of stars, including Andy Williams, The Lennon Sisters, Mel Tillis, Glen Campbell, Mickey Gilley, Moe Bandy, Yakov Smirnoff, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Neal McCoy, have graced its stages.
Branson is a destination where state-of-the-art theaters coexist with cherished family traditions, where the beauty and heritage of the Ozarks are celebrated alongside Southern hospitality, home-style cooking, handcrafted goods, bargain shopping, and attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages.
Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Branson is surrounded by three pristine, mountain-fed lakes and millions of acres of unspoiled wilderness. The natural surroundings draw millions of visitors each year, seeking respite and recreation in this unique and captivating destination.