Branson
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Branson, MO ________________
Calendar of Events
Visit
www.explorebranson.com/calendar for a Branson calendar of events. For a schedule of
shows visit the Official
Branson Website or call the Branson Chamber of Commerceat (417) 334-4136
for a current show guide.
Driving Directions
Go South on I-172 for 14 miles to US 36. Take US 36 Southwest 7 miles
to Hannibal and US 61. Take US 61 south for 10 miles to State Route 19.
Follow State Route 19 southwest for 27 miles to US 54. Go southwest on
US 54 for 86 miles then take State Route 17 south for 38 miles. Take State
Route 133 southwest for 18 miles to I-44. Follow I-44 southwest for 63
miles then take US 65 south for 44 miles to Branson. Approximately 307
miles.
History
Branson's early settlers had to struggle to survive in the rugged Ozark foothills. In the late 19th century, settlers faced a depleted game population and land that was unable to sustain crop production. As the railroads expanded, timber became the area's first boom product and was followed by tomato and strawberry production. Branson was officially founded in 1903 and within three years the railroad came to town. Marvel Cave's discovery, Harold Bell Wright's novel, Shepherd of the Hills, and the creation of Lake Taneycomo brought an influx of vacationers and sightseers to the area. By 1912 Branson's population has grown to 1,200 residents.
The 1960's saw Branson's boom begin. The completion
of Table Rock Lake in 1959 drew a large crowd of anglers and water enthusiasts from all over with its
clear, deep waters. Silver Dollar City opened in 1960 and attracted vacationers from all across the Midwest. Big
name stars found Branson appealing and brought their shows to town. Branson soon became a world renowned vacation
mecca.Today Branson ranks second to Orlando as the most popular vacation destination in the United States and accommodates more than five million tourists each year. With almost 50 theaters and more than 80 shows, Branson has more theater seats than Broadway. It can be described as an entertainment capital in the midst of a recreational paradise. The area offers rugged scenery, clear lakes and springs, and a wealth of caves to explore. Visitors come for the theme parks, historical attractions, outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and the old fashion hospitality that is unique to Branson.