The History of Branson - A Mountain Fun Hotspot
Branson was founded in 1903 by men who envisioned an industrial center in the Ozarks that would take trainloads of logs, lumber, and many other manufactured products. This allows Branson to generate a steady income for many locals.
Today, as many theaters, motels, shopping malls, and restaurants were built throughout the surrounding hills, Branson is experiencing an industrial boom that many residents and visitors alike are now enjoying. Visitors to this now-popular Midwest vacation destination enjoy not only exciting entertainment shows but also other new and exciting attractions as well. The Branson Mountain Coaster is one of the new attractions in the area today that is popular for locals and visitors alike.
Branson had only about 1,200 residents when it was incorporated in April 1912. The idea of making Branson a resort town began immediately after a short period by establishing a commercial ice plant, a soft drink bottling company, a candy factory, and an ice cream factory near the lakeside.
The Commercial, Branson, and Malone were the only hotels in Branson at the time–which Malone renamed the White River Hotel in 1937. These hotels cater to tourists, and nearby establishments and businesses were encouraged to stack logs, lumber, and bricks for residents to make their homes appear more comfortable and durable.
Hobart McCarter, who built the first vacation cabins in Branson - the Sammy Lane Resort - just across the Main Street bridge, established a gasoline business and boat factory on the waterfront to serve passengers up and down the lake. The cabins were built on stilts and anchored with cables to keep them safe from floods.
In 1914, the women of Branson who worked in and helped run family businesses formed a Civic League. They began a decades-long effort to beautify the streets, establish parks, and improve the quality of life in their respective communities.
The league paid off the debt on the old community building and provided the area with the materials needed to construct a new community building in 1936. The town was then provided a well-equipped municipal bathing beach and campground on Lake Taneycomo due to community celebrations.
Lake Taneycomo rose to prominence in the 1930s as a low-cost vacation destination easily accessible by car or train from nearby towns. Visitors attracted by parades, street fairs, community activities, boat races, and enjoyment of the scenic views of the lakes and hills helped Branson businesses survive the Great Depression.
After WWII, many artists, craftsmen, artisans, retired servicemen, and war industry workers returned to Branson, including Steve Miller. In the summer of 1949, he and businessman Joe Todd proposed erecting a large lighted Adoration Scene on Mount Branson's bluff across Lake Taneycomo from downtown Branson. With the unselfish assistance of the local carpenters, the crèche scene's figure that stood 28 feet tall was erected for lighting on the first Sunday in front of thousands of dumbfounded visitors.
Every year since 1953, a large crowd has gathered to witness the lighting. With the addition of the Adoration Parade to the lighting ceremonies, the sponsoring Chamber of Commerce assisted in establishing pet parades, Santa Claus parades, and costume competitions in Branson. Today, the traditions attract crowds of up to 30,000 people.
Table Rock Dam construction began after the first Adoration Parade and lasted until the late 1950s. After the dam's completion in 1959, and the water level returned to its expected average, many Branson residents were relieved that the floods were no longer a threat. Tourism in the area has started to grow in numbers to take a glimpse of the spectacular newly built dam and the big lake, the famous Silver Dollar City, and the Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead & Old Mill Theater.
Resorts near Branson encouraged their guests to go fishing, visit new attractions, or participate in other exciting water activities. Visitors avoid swimming in Lake Taneycomo because it has become too cold to swim in due to being fed by the deep cold waters of Table Rock Lake. Many businesses that had sprouted up around Lake Taneycomo had begun to cater to the growing number of tourists.
When tourism in Branson began to boom in 1960, the Missouri Pacific ceased all passenger service on its White River Line. With so many visitors arriving by car, traffic on the winding U.S. 65 to Springfield frequently slowed travel to Branson. Dynamite crews and earth-moving equipment helped create a new route through the limestone hills between Springfield and Branson to shorten the 75-mile route to 40 miles. The thrilling adventure ride on the Branson mountain coaster could be the next thing visitors will enjoy in the coming years.
Branson residents have worked hard to transform the city into a prosperous industrial city to attract vacationers. Today, many visitors come not only to enjoy world-class entertainment shows and exciting attractions but also to enjoy many entertaining rides, such as the Branson Mountain Coaster.
by