Branson Tourism History

In 1960, Branson's tourism sector began to boom, forcing the Missouri Pacific to suspend all passenger operations on its White River Line.

Traffic on the winding U.S. 65 from Springfield to Branson frequently slowed down travel due to the many passengers arriving by car. A new road was carved out of the limestone hills using dynamite crews and earth-moving tools, reducing the 75-mile trip between Springfield and Branson to 40 miles.

Traveling to Branson has become more straightforward since the establishment of this new route, and the city has long seen an increase in tourists from adjacent Missouri cities and even from other states.

Because of its breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, many top-notch attractions, and wide range of thrilling activities, Branson has grown to be a well-liked tourist destination. One of the newest activities that many tourists want to do these days is adventuring in Branson. To find out more about the history of Branson's tourism, look at these important facts.

1984 – Marvel Cave Opens for Tourists

The Osage Indians initially discovered Marvel Cave around 1500 AD. The Spanish came to the region in 1541 in pursuit of the Fountain of Youth, but they were frustrated. In 1869, miners from St. Louis went there in search of marble and lead ore, but they came away equally disappointed.

William Henry Lynch, a Canadian mining specialist, acquired the Marvel Cave and moved to the Ozarks with his two daughters to become the region's first tourist attraction after learning about it. Marvel Cave has been in operation for close to 50 years and originally welcomed guests in 1894.

The Herschend family leased the cave in 1950 and made extensive improvements to enable easy access for tourists. In 1960, the Herschend family built an 1880s Ozark Mountain Village at the entrance to Marvel Cave, which marked the start of the construction of Silver Dollar City. After experiencing fantastic boating in Branson, don't miss visiting this tourist attraction.

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

An ambitious writer from Kansas named Harold Bell Wright relocated to the Ozarks in 1898 and made his home on John and Anna Ross's farm. Wright wrote The Shepherd of the Hills, which was published in 1907, as a tribute to the magnificence of the Ozarks and its people, and it was inspired by his delightful life in Branson, Missouri. The book's publication was a huge success, selling millions of copies.

For more than ten years following the book's release, more individuals inquired about "Old Matt's Cabin," as Wright referred to the Ross Homestead in the book. The Ross Homestead was purchased by Lizzie McDaniel in 1923, and she converted it into a museum. McDaniel was the first to hold Shepherd of the Hills reenactments on the lawn of the homestead.

1910s – Rockaway Beach Becomes a Favorite Tourist Destination

Constructed in 1913, the Ozark Beach Dam supplied Lake Taneycomo with water and enabled the development of the nearby tourist resort of Rockaway Beach. An inflow of tourists eager to enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating in Lake Taneycomo's waters accompanied the development of nearby residents in the area.

The majority of guests come to Rockaway Beach through the White River Line Railway depot in nearby Hollister, Missouri, and then go to the beach by boat on Lake Taneycomo.

Before Table Rock Lake was created in 1959 as a result of the construction of the Table Rock Dam, Rockaway Beach enjoyed a long period of popularity. As Rockaway's lake became unfit for swimming, it lost some of its appeal as a holiday destination.

On the other hand, Rockaway Beach has transformed into a picturesque lakeside village with some of the best trout fishing in the country.

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

In 1959, the Baldknobbers, a group of Mabe brothers, made Branson famous as the first Missouri community to host live entertainment events. The group's combination of comic relief and country music in Branson proved to be a winning formula for the genre, which is still prevalent in many current hit shows.

The singing comedians moved to their new theater on W from their previous location close to Lake Taneycomo.

1960 – Silver Dollar City Opens Its Doors

When Silver Dollar City originally started operating in 1960, it offered a steam train ride from the 1880s, as well as themed shops, live entertainment, and craftspeople on show. When "Beverly Hillbillies," the well-known TV series, filmed several episodes in the theme park in 1967, the entire country became aware of the spectacular sight.

By the year 1963, Silver Dollar City had become Missouri's most well-known tourist destination.

1980s – More and More Things to Do in Branson

The live music performances in Branson as well as various other outdoor recreational pursuits, attracted tourists to the region. For many years, Branson has expanded the types of entertainment it offers and lengthened visitors' stays.

With so many tourist attractions in Branson, many visitors who have enjoyed their time in this well-known Midwest vacation site want to stay longer and partake in additional activities, such as excellent adventuring in Branson.