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Branson News, History & Profiles

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Branson, Missouri, located in Taney County, has a population of 6,050, covers 16.3 square miles, and the current mayor is Raeanne Presley. It is known officially as the Live Music Show Capital of the World and, unofficially, as the "family-friendly Las Vegas."

As a travel destination, Branson began with the publication of the 1907 Harold Bell Wright novel, Shepherd of the Hills.

The novel, coupled with the already popular Marvel (or Marble) Cave near Notch, popularized the region. Later, the development of Lake Taneycomo (1911) and then Tablerock Lake (1954), added to the tourist and recreational appeal.

Today, Branson hosts nearly eight million visitors each year.

Branson is, at times, criticized for commercializing the region's unique culture. However commercial Branson may be, the city and surrounding attractions do play a vital role in bringing appreciative visitors into the Ozarks region and introducing them to the culture.

Because of this, State of the Ozarks reserves a specific section devoted to Branson history, news and profiles.
12/30/06, Mist in the hills. Photo credit, J. Heston. Location: Wilderness northwest of Branson.
"The next summer the painter went again to the Ozarks. Even as he was greeted by the strong master of the hills and his charming wife, there fell upon his ears a dull report as of distant cannon; then another and another. They led him across the yard, and there to the north on the other side of Roark, men were tearing up the mountain to make way for the railroad. As they looked, another blast sent the rocks flying, while the sound rolled and echoed through the peaceful hills.

The artist turned to his friends with questioning eyes. 'Mr. Howitt said it would come. Is he—is he well?'

Mrs. Matthews answered softly, 'Dad left us while the surveyors were at work. He sleeps yonder.' She pointed to Dewey Bald...." —  page 261

Excerpt from: Wright, Harold Bell, The Shepherd of the Hills, The Shepherd of the Hills Historical Society, Inc., 1907
"What plan, you ask? Perhaps the best way to explain it is like this.

"About a year ago, Barbara and Rodney's wife, Karen, who is also a devout Christian, were sitting outside by the swimming pool.

"Suddenly, Barbara turned to Karen, and said, 'It feels to me that there's a giant magnet over Branson, drawing up the hill the ones that are meant to be.'

"And you know something? She's right. You may say, hey, Roy, explain that last one a little more to me, and you know, I can't, other than to say I don't think anyone can really explain the phenomenon that is Branson.

"You just have to come and experience it for yourself."

—  page 197

Excerpt from: Roy Clark with Elliot, Marc, My Life in Spite of Myself, Simon & Schuster, 1994