Branson Tourism History

Branson has become a popular tourist destination due to its gorgeous landscape, rich history, outstanding attractions, and exciting activities. The thrilling adventure ride with the mountain coaster in Branson is one of the newest things many visitors desire to enjoy nowadays. Check out these crucial Branson historical facts to learn about the city's tourism heritage.

1984 – Marvel Cave Opens for Tourists

Around 1500 AD, the Osage Indians found Marvel Cave for the first time. In 1541, the Spanish visited the area in search of the Fountain of Youth but were disappointed. St. Louis miners visited the location in 1869, searching for lead ore and marble, but they were equally disappointed.

When Canadian mining expert William Henry Lynch learned about the Marvel Cave, he bought it. He relocated to the Ozarks with his two daughters to develop the Ozarks' first tourist attraction. Marvel Cave opened its doors to visitors in 1894 and has operated for nearly 50 years.

In 1950, the Herschend family leased the cave and made significant modifications to give tourists easy access. The Herschend family began the development of Silver Dollar City in 1960 when they erected an 1880s Ozark Mountain Village surrounding the entrance to Marvel Cave. It is the ideal place to visit after an exciting trip on the mountain coaster in Branson.

1907 – Shepherd of the Hills Puts the Ozarks on the Map

Harold Bell Wright, an aspiring author from Kansas, moved to the Ozarks in 1898 and settled at the property of John and Anna Ross. Inspired by his precious life in Branson, Missouri, Wright penned The Shepherd of the Hills, published in 1907 as a tribute to the grandeur of the Ozarks and its people. The novel's publication was significant, with millions of copies sold.

Tourism to the area increased for over a decade after the book's publication. Many people inquired about "Old Matt's Cabin," as Wright referred to the Ross Homestead in the novel. Lizzie McDaniel bought the Ross Homestead in 1923 and turned it into a museum. McDaniel was also the first to host the Shepherd of the Hills narrative reenactments on the homestead's lawn.

The 1910s – Rockaway Beach Becomes a Vacation Hot Spot

The Ozark Beach Dam, which supplied water to Lake Taneycomo and supported the construction of the Rockaway Beach vacation community in the region, was built in 1913. Residents in the surrounding area began to develop, followed by an influx of visitors eager to enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating in Lake Taneycomo's waters. Most visitors arrive at Rockaway Beach through the White River Line Railway depot in adjacent Hollister, Missouri, and then take a boat journey down Lake Taneycomo to the beach.

Rockaway Beach was popular for many years before Table Rock Lake was formed in 1959 due to the construction of the Table Rock Dam. Rockaway's attractiveness as a vacation resort declined as its lake became unsuitable for swimming. On the other hand, Rockaway Beach has remade itself as a charming lakeside hamlet with the best trout fishing in America.

1959/the 1960s – Live Music Makes Its Mark in Branson

The Mabe brothers, known as the Baldknobbers, established Branson's reputation as the first city in Missouri to hold live entertainment events in 1959. The group's blend of country tunes and comedy became an excellent formula for the country music genre in Branson, which is still seen in many popular shows today. The singing comedians relocated from their previous venue near Lake Taneycomo to their new theater on W. Country Rd.

1960 – Silver Dollar City Opens Its Doors

Silver Dollar City opened its doors in 1960, featuring a steam train ride from the 1880s, themed stores, live music, and displaying artisans. By 1963, Silver Dollar City had become Missouri's most famous tourist attraction. In 1967, the entire country took notice of the stunning theme park when "Beverly Hillbillies," the popular TV program, filmed several episodes inside the park.

In 1960, tourism in Branson began to thrive, prompting the Missouri Pacific to suspend all passenger operations on its White River Line. With so many people arriving by car, traffic on the twisting U.S. 65 from Springfield to Branson frequently delayed passage.

To reduce the 75-mile route between Springfield and Branson to 40 miles, dynamite teams and earth-moving equipment helped create a new road through the limestone hills. Branson has long received an influx of visitors from adjacent Missouri communities since the construction of this new route.



1980 – More and More Things to Do in Branson

The live music shows in Branson, and numerous other outdoor leisure activities drew visitors to the area. Branson has boosted its entertainment offerings and increased the length of stay for guests for many years.

With so many tourist attractions in Branson, many guests who have had a good vacation in this prominent Midwest vacation location want to extend their stay and enjoy extra activities, such as a thrilling trip on the mountain coaster in Branson.