About Branson MO
photo credit: Ethan Prater
Branson city, Missouri – named for Rueben Branson, postmaster and operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s – is a popular destination for sightseers from Missouri and the nearby states, as it offers something for everyone.
In 1882, Rueben Branson opened a general store and post office in the area and was involved in 1912 in the construction of the Powersite Dam on the White River which formed the Lake Taneycomo.
In 1894, William Henry Lynch bought Marvel Cave. Later on, Hugo and Mary Herschend bought the cave in 1950, modernizing it with electricity and cement staircases, and in 1960 the Herschends opened Silver Dollar City.
In 1958, the Table Rock Dam on the White River was completed, thus the Table Rock Lake was created. A year later The Baldknobbers Jamboree opened their show in the city. In 1962 Paul Henning created the Beverly Hillbillies, with the first five episodes of season 8 in 1969 set in the Branson area. The Presley family moved their show to Highway 76 in 1967, and the area in the end will host more than 50 theatres, the majority of them situated on Highway 76.
1983 is the year when Branson started to turn into an important tourist attraction when the Swiss Villa Amphitheatre opened in Lampe, Missouri. The theatre – later known as the Black Oak Mountain Amphitheatre – was eventually closed in the early 2000s. In the same year, Roy Clark opened the Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre, being the first famous country music star with his own venue in Branson.
The Branson Airport is the closest commercial airport, being recently opened in May 2009. it is privately owned and is most likely the biggest privately owned commercial airport in the United States. Before its opening, the closest commercial airport was the Springfield – Branson National Airport, owned by the City of Springfield.
According to the 2000 census, there were 6,050 people, 2,701 households and 1,661 families residing in Branson.
Branson has a lot to offer to all visitors as it has various tourist attractions. Branson is the home of over forty theatres, with more than 100 shows and productions. It also has more than ten museums, including The Titanic Museum, which is the biggest Titanic museum in the world.
Branson offers excellent lodging facilities, with cabins, bed and breakfasts, various motels, 5-star hotels, facilities with condos and camping. Tourist might also enjoy shopping, as there are several shopping areas in the town, the newest one is the Branson Landing, on the water front.
Branson has something for golf fans as well. You might not know, but Branson has quality golf courses, with par-3 courses to 18-hole championship courses. You will also find some of the top pro shops in the Midwest.
When you get hungry, you can eat in the various buffets, fast food, steaks, fish, and numerous restaurants with fine wines. If you enjoy nightlife and want to party you can go dancing, or to some comedy clubs or to some local pubs.
You have every reason to visit Branson with your entire family. No family member will get bored, as they will all find some activities within their style and taste. The place and the people are friendly and warm, ready to welcome the best they can all tourist.
