Before Branson became a federally recognized town, locals were already getting a jump on attracting tourists from outside areas. In , William Henry Lynch purchased a local cavern that went by the name Marble Cave, switched the name to Marvel Cave, and began charging visitors a fee to tour the cavern.
After Branson became a dot on national maps, still more exciting entrepreneurial ventures were launched. Also in the s, the Herschend family leased Marvel Cave and began hosting square dances inside the cavern — something most people had never contemplated before! A bustling town driving driven by theaters and country music fame, Branson, MO history is a unique tail of resilient farmers, post Civil War conflict and a century-old tourist attraction.
The Ozarks provide the backdrop for the story of a small, easily overlooked town, that would find recognition for both its wildly successful show industry and reputation as a family-friendly vacation spot. Local or visitor, take a moment to familiarize yourself with Branson, MO history. There is something for everyone here! With a general store and post office established in by Reuben Branson, the fledgling community got its start.
The town was incorporated in just as the Powersite Dam was being finished; creating Lake Taneycomo. From then on Branson continued to grow into something special. This book spurred many to come see the area Bell spoke of to get a feel of that Ozark tradition. That show has been in production for over 50 years. The tourism helped the town's businesses survive through the Depression and banking industry failures.
After World War II many craftsmen, artists, and retirees came to the area. In the late 's the Hugo Herschend family visiting from Chicago were struck with the potential of the area, as well as that of Marvel Cave, which drew a few thousand people a year. The family leased the cave from Lynch's daughters and moved here.
Hugo, Mary and their sons, Jack and Peter, worked to establish cave tours. When Hugo died, the three continued, improving the cave and exploring new areas for development. Not everyone could or would make the difficult journey into its depths. Some waited above ground. It was Mary who realized these people needed to be entertained while they waited. She planned that several women would make crafts and show them in keeping with the heritage of the hills. Thus was born Silver Dollar City, so named for the change first given customers.
It opened in , with a single street of shops and a stagecoach ride. Preparations for the construction of Table Rock Dam began in , and was completed in The water rose to its expected average level, and Branson's citizens were relieved that floods no longer threatened their waterfront.
Tourists came in growing numbers to enjoy the big new lake, the Herschends' 's Silver Dollar City theme park, and the Trimbles' new outdoor theater at the Shepherd of the Hills Farm. Resorts near Branson and downstream were encouraging their guests to fish and visit the area's new attractions. Lake Taneycomo was too cold for swimming now that it was fed by the deep cold waters of Table Rock Lake, although it quickly became a first class trout fishing lake. Meanwhile, an enterprising family, the Mabes, from Springfield, Missouri began the Ozarks Jubilee, a music show.
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