This Day in Missouri History: Branson Incorporated

April 1, 1912 – The City of Branson is Incorporated

Branson has an amazing history that dates back further than most people realize. The town was a long-established village along the banks of the White River since the late 1800s. The town saw rapid growth thanks to tourist attractions like Marble Cave and Lake Taneycomo in the early years, then Silver Dollar City, Highway 76 attractions, and Table Rock Lake in the years that followed.

The city only had a population of 2,550 by 1980 but was seeing millions of tourists packing the small roads that meandered through the Ozark Mountain town. As more tourists, money, and attention came to Branson, the city underwent a massive infrastructure campaign to get ready for future growth. By 2020, Branson boasted a population of around 13,000 and hosted nearly 10-million visitors annually.

• If you want more Branson history, including when the town really hit the “Big Time”, here is the day that changed everything.

Early Inhabitants

The area that would become Branson was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Delaware people. They utilized the region’s abundant natural resources for hunting and fishing.

Settlement

The first European settlers arrived in the early 19th century. Among them was Rueben Branson, a Tennessee native who established a general store and post office in the area in 1882. The settlement was named after him. Branson grew slowly, primarily serving as a trading post and stopover for travelers moving through the Ozarks. Its location along the White River made it an important point for transportation and trade.

Development

The town experienced modest development throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, it remained relatively small and rural compared to other towns in the region. The city only had a population of 2,550 by 1980 but was seeing millions of tourists packing the small roads that meandered through the Ozark Mountain town. By 2010, Branson boasted a population of 10,520 and hosted more than 7-million visitors annually.

The Tourism Boom

The real transformation of Branson began in the late 20th century when it emerged as a major tourist destination. The opening of Silver Dollar City, a theme park celebrating Ozarks heritage, in 1960 marked a turning point. The Presleys’ Country Jubilee, a family music show, also gained popularity during this time, drawing visitors to the area.

Branson solidified its reputation as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” in the 1980s and 1990s. The town became known for its numerous theaters hosting a variety of live music shows, comedy acts, and other performances.

Economic Impact

Tourism became the primary economic driver for Branson, fueling growth and prosperity in the region. The town’s population swelled, and businesses flourished, creating jobs and opportunities for locals.

To accommodate the influx of tourists, Branson underwent significant infrastructure development. A massive infrastructure project took place not only in the roads meandering through the hills around the city, but also in the highways connecting Branson to other towns. That paved the way for more hotels, restaurants, and attractions were built to cater to visitors from across the country.

Natural Beauty Preservation

Despite its commercial success, Branson has made efforts to preserve its natural beauty and scenic surroundings. Conservation initiatives and regulations aim to protect the Ozark Mountains and the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo.

Continued Growth and Diversification

In recent years, Branson has continued to evolve to meet the demands of travelers by diversifying its attractions beyond live entertainment. Visitors can now enjoy outdoor activities, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences alongside the traditional shows and performances. Branson has also become a golf mecca in recent years thanks in large part to massive course developments across the area.

Overall, the history of Branson history is a story of transformation from a small trading post to a bustling tourist destination, driven by its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit.