Branson, Missouri

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Branson was formally incorporated on April 1, 1912, following the construction of Powersite Dam on the White River, which formed Lake Taneycomo. In 1894, William Henry Lynch bought Marble Cave (renamed 'Marvel Cave') and began charging visitors to tour it. Hugo and Mary Herschend leased the cave for 99 years in 1950 and modernized it with electricity and concrete staircases. In 1960, the Herschends opened Silver Dollar City, a recreation of a frontier town. Harold Bell Wright's 1907 novel 'The Shepherd of the Hills' became an international best seller, establishing Branson as a tourist destination. The Old Mill Theater began outdoor productions based on the novel in 1960, continuing into its 61st season in 2021. The historic farm is also home to Inspiration Tower and the Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park.

In Their Own Story

In 1962, Paul Henning, inspired by a Boy Scout camping trip to the Ozarks, created 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' which ran as a CBS sitcom until 1971. Henning later donated 1,534 acres for the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area near Branson. The Presley family moved their show to Highway 76 in 1967, followed by the Baldknobbers a year later, eventually leading to more than 50 theaters on Highway 76. In 1987, Boxcar Willie became the first internationally known entertainer to purchase a theater in Branson. By 1991, 60 Minutes called Branson the 'live music capital of the entire universe.' Andy Williams opened the Moon River Theatre on May 1, 1992. The city now refers to itself as 'the live music show capital of the world.'

Reader's Guide

Branson's attractions include the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, Hollywood Wax Museum, Wonderworks, Silver Dollar City, White Water, Dolly Parton's Stampede, helicopter rides, ziplines, cave tours, go-karts, mini golf, and more. The Titanic Museum is a half-scale replica of the famous ship. Branson Landing opened in summer 2006 on the Lake Taneycomo waterfront, featuring retail space with Bass Pro Shops and Belk, a scenic boardwalk, and the Branson Landing Fountains. The convention center opened September 7, 2007. The Branson Scenic Railway is located in the old depot across from Branson Landing. Due to Branson being known for family-oriented tourism, casino gambling is frowned upon and does not exist in this area. Branson's ferris wheel, moved from Chicago's Navy Pier in 2016, provides a scenic view of the Ozarks from 150 feet.

Did You Know?

• Branson was named after Reuben Branson, a postmaster and general store operator in the 1880s.
• The Branson Cross is the largest cross monument in North America.
• In 1991, 60 Minutes called Branson the 'live music capital of the entire universe.'
• The Titanic Museum in Branson is a half-scale replica of the famous ship and iceberg.
• Branson's ferris wheel was moved from Chicago's Navy Pier in 2016.