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Branson, Missouri
City
Aerial view from northwest
Nickname(s):  Live Entertainment Capital of the World[1][2]
Location within Taney County and Missouri
U.S. Census Map
Coordinates: 36°38′16″N 93°15′18″W / 36.63778°N 93.25500°W / 36.63778; -93.25500Coordinates: 36°38′16″N 93°15′18″W / 36.63778°N 93.25500°W / 36.63778; -93.25500
Country	United States
State	Missouri
Counties	Taney, Stone
Founded	1882
Government
• Mayor	Karen Best [3]
Area [4]
• City	21.29 sq mi (55.14 km2)
• Land	21.14 sq mi (54.75 km2)
• Water	0.15 sq mi (0.39 km2)
Elevation	778 ft (237 m)
Population (2010)[5]
• City	10,520
• Estimate  (2017)[8]	11,467
• Density	542.43/sq mi (209.43/km2)
• Urban	14,359
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes	65615-65616
Area code	417
FIPS code	29-07966 [6]
GNIS feature ID	0739970 [7]
Website	cityofbranson.org

The Titanic Museum.

The Duttons performing in Branson.

Presleys' Country Jubilee, one of Branson's shows.

Jim Barber & Seville - Branson Based Entertainer.

Grand Country Music Hall in Branson.

Andy Williams' Moon River Theatre is named for his trademark 1961 song, "Moon River".

A typical busy night on "The Strip" (Hwy 76).

Branson is a city in Stone and Taney counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. Most of the city is in Taney County, with a small portion in the west extending into Stone County. Branson is in the Ozark Mountains. The community was named after Reuben Branson, postmaster and operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s.^[9] The population was 10,520 at the 2010 census.

Branson has long been a popular destination for vacationers from Missouri and neighboring areas. The collection of entertainment theaters along 76 Country Boulevard (and to a lesser extent along Shepherd of the Hills Expressway), including Dolly Parton's Stampede, has increased Branson's popularity as a tourist destination. Branson now draws visitors from all regions of the country and even internationally.

History

In 1882, Reuben Branson opened a general store and post office in the area.^[10] Branson was formally incorporated in 1912, and construction of the Powersite Dam nearby on the White River which would form Lake Taneycomo was completed.

In 1894, William Henry Lynch bought Marble Cave (renamed "Marvel Cave") and began charging visitors to tour it. Hugo and Mary Herschend leased the cave for 99 years in 1950 and began hosting square dances in it. The Herschend Family modernized the cave with electricity and concrete staircases, and in 1960 the Herschends opened Silver Dollar City, a re-creation of a frontier town that featured five shops, a church, and a log cabin, with actors that played out the feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys.

Harold Bell Wright published his novel about the Ozarks, The Shepherd of the Hills, in 1907. The Old Mill Theater began its first outdoor production based on the novel in 1960. The show known as The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama & Homestead continues in its 58th season for 2017. It is also the home of Inspiration Tower, the Sons of the Pioneers show, and other attractions. The Harold Bell Wright Museum is located within The World's Largest Toy Museum complex. Mayor of Branson for 12 years and entrepreneur Jim Owen built the first theater in 1934 on Commercial Street, originally called "The Hillbilly Theater", which began to attract people from far and wide to tour the area. 1959 saw the completion of Table Rock Dam on the White River, which created Table Rock Lake. In 1959, the Baldknobbers Jamboree opened the first live music show in Branson.

In 1962, Paul Henning, inspired by a Boy Scout camping trip to the Ozarks, created The Beverly Hillbillies, which ran on first-run television until 1971.^[11]The first five episodes of Season 8 in 1969 are set in the Branson area when the Clampetts return to their home. Henning later donated 1,534 acres (6.21 km²) for the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area near Branson.^[12] He also donated the modified 1921 Oldsmobile truck used as the vehicle in the series to the College of the Ozarks, where it is on display in the Ralph Foster Museum.

The Presley family became the first to move their show (Presleys' Country Jubilee) to Highway 76 in 1967, followed a year later by the Baldknobbers. Eventually Branson would have more than 50 theaters, most of them located on Highway 76.

In the early 1980s, Chisai Child's Starlite Theater (not to be confused with the current theater by the same name) was one of the first to introduce stage sets, horn section, elaborate costume changes, and music outside of the traditional country music normally played. It helped to launch the careers of Shoji Tabuchi and many others.^[13]

In 1983, Branson began its transformation into a major tourist attraction when the Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre opened and began to bring famous country music stars to Branson. Many of the performers who have had their own theaters in Branson first discovered Branson when they performed at this venue.^{[citation needed]} The Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre at the Lodge of the Ozarks has been called the "birthplace of Branson celebrity theatres".

Also in 1983, the 7,500-seat Swiss Villa Amphitheatre opened in Lampe, southwest of Branson. The outdoor amphitheatre brought in acts like Def Leppard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, REO Speedwagon, Steppenwolf, and Ozzy Osbourne. Closing in the early 2000s, it reopened in 2010 as the Black Oak Mountain Amphitheatre.

In 1987, Boxcar Willie became the first internationally known entertainer to purchase a theater in Branson and have a permanent performance schedule there.

In 1989, Shoji Tabuchi opened his first theater in Branson (converting the Ozarks Auto Museum on West 76 Highway into a theater). He then built a new theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in 1990, while Mel Tillis moved into Shoji's old theater. In 1990-1991 several nationally known stars such as Jim Stafford, Ray Stevens, Mickey Gilley, and Moe Bandy opened their own theaters. Along with these national stars, many home-grown shows also had theaters. The Lowe Family featured their show and hosted nationally known stars like Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, Vern Gosdin, Waylon Jennings, and others. 76 Music Hall (now known as the Grand Country Music Hall) became the first theater to have three different shows a day performing in different time slots. In 1991, local producer and entertainer Bob Nichols opened the first morning show and the following year, Buck Trent became the first nationally known star to star in a morning show.

The increasing number of theaters and other attractions opening in Branson drew the attention of 60 Minutes, which aired an episode about Branson on December 8, 1991, and called it the "live music capital of the entire universe".^[14]

Andy Williams built his theater in Branson, opening on May 1, 1992, calling it the Moon River Theatre. The Glen Campbell Goodtime Theatre opened in 1994, starring Glen along with his "Goodtime Band", daughter Debbie Campbell, the Matthew Dickens Dancers, and comedian ventriloquist Jim Barber. Also headlining their own theaters were Tony Orlando (Yellow Ribbon Theater) and Bobby Vinton (Blue Velvet Theater). In 1998, the Acrobats of China arrived in Branson, making them one of the first international shows to call Branson home. They opened their theatre, the New Shanghai Theatre, in 2005. In 2006, Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theatre opened and is the most recent new theater to be built on Route 76. Branson has continued to add theaters (the most recent being the Sight & Sound Theatres) and shows; it refers to itself as "the live music show capital of the world".^[15]

Scenes from the family motion picture Gordy were shot here in 1995.^{[citation needed]}

The closest commercial airport is the newly developed Branson Airport which opened in May 2009, constructed on a budget of $155 million on land formerly owned by Tennessee Ernie Ford.^{[citation needed]} This airport is privately owned, and it is thought to be the largest privately owned commercial airport in the United States.^{[citation needed]}Its construction involved flattening the tops of a series of Ozark Mountains and is thought to be the largest earth moving project in the history of the state.^{[citation needed]} Previously, the closest commercial airport was Springfield–Branson National Airport 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Branson, owned by the city of Springfield.

2012 tornado

Just after 1 a.m. on February 29, 2012, the city of Branson sustained damage from an EF-2 tornado in the 2012 Leap Day tornado outbreak. At least 37 injuries were reported, most being cuts and bruises.^[16][17] Most of the tourist attractions and businesses were undamaged and remained open after the storm, although at least 11 buildings suffered more than $3 million in total damage. As of November 2012, most of the damage was repaired.^[18] Mary Jane Rice, a spokeswoman for Branson Area Chamber of Commerce, told the AP that February is generally a slow time for business and most of the damage would be cleaned up in the next few days.^[19] The tornado followed a 22-mile-long (35 km) path from Kimberling City, Missouri, across Table Rock Lake and along the entertainment strip Missouri Route 76 before hitting the downtown area where it blew out or cracked windows in 219 of the hotel rooms in the 12-story/295 room Hilton Branson Convention Center. The tornado extensively damaged three of Branson’s 50-plus theatres — (Americana Theater, Branson Variety Theater and Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater) and there was damage to portions of Branson Landing on Lake Taneycomo and the Veterans Memorial Museum. Vehicles at the Ride the Ducks water/land attraction were flipped over, but officials said they were not damaged enough to be put out of service^[20][21][22]

Attractions and events

Besides the numerous entertainment theaters for which Branson is famous, other local attractions include Hollywood Wax Museum Branson, Silver Dollar City, White Water, Mount Pleasant Winery, Curling Vine Winery, Ride the Ducks, Dolly Parton's Stampede, ziplines, cave tours, go-karts, mini golf, and more. Ripley's Odditorium is housed in a building that has been made to look as if it is cracked wide open by an earthquake or other disaster, while the Titanic Museum is a half-scale replica of the famous ship and iceberg.^[23]

Branson Landing opened in the summer of 2006^[24] on the Lake Taneycomo waterfront in downtown Branson. The lakefront project includes retail space with Bass Pro Shops and Belk as anchors in an outdoor shopping mall of stores and restaurants. It also features a scenic boardwalk along the lakefront with the Branson Landing Fountains at the heart of the property as well as a Hilton Hotel. Branson Landing has been known to host summer concerts and other special events throughout the year. The convention center, situated between Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson, opened September 7, 2007. The Branson Scenic Railway is located in the old depot, across from Branson Landing.

Geography

Branson is located at 36°38′16″N 93°15′18″W / 36.63778°N 93.25500°W / 36.63778; -93.25500 (36.637706, -93.254965).^[25] The White River/Lake Taneycomo forms a bend on the east and southern side of the city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 20.80 square miles (53.87 km²), of which 20.63 square miles (53.43 km²) is land and 0.17 square miles (0.44 km²) is water.^[26]

Climate

Branson has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) with characteristics of a continental climate. The hardiness zone is 6b. [1]

Demographics

The Branson Micropolitan Statistical Area encompasses Stone and Taney counties.

2010 census

As of the census^[5] of 2010, there were 10,520 people, 4,688 households, and 2,695 families residing in the city. The population density was 509.9 inhabitants per square mile (196.9/km²). There were 8,599 housing units at an average density of 416.8 per square mile (160.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 89.0% White, 2.0% African American, 0.9% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.9% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.8% of the population.

There were 4,688 households of which 23.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.5% were non-families. 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.77.

The median age in the city was 41.2 years. 18.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.7% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 19.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

2000 census

As of the census^[6] of 2000, there were 6,050 people, 2,701 households, and 1,661 families residing in the city. The population density was 374.0 people per square mile (144.4/km²). There were 3,366 housing units at an average density of 208.1 per square mile (80.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.50% White, 0.84% African American, 0.86% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.47% from other races, and 1.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.26% of the population.

There were 2,701 households out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.5% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the city, the population was spread out with 20.3% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,997, and the median income for a family was $43,145. Males had a median income of $31,769 versus $21,223 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,461. 12.1% of the population and 9.7% of families were below the poverty line. 15.6% of those under the age of 18 and 17.0% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Education

Branson R-IV School District operates four elementary schools, Branson Jr. High School and Branson High School.^[27]

The town has a lending library, the Taneyhills Community Library.^[28]

Notable people

• 
  Kim Boyce, Miss Florida 1983.


• 
  John Burkhalter, businessman; born in Branson.


• 
  Janet Dailey, author.


• 
  Barbara Fairchild, country and gospel singer.


• 
  Jack Hamilton, baseball player.


• 
  Dino Kartsonakis, pianist.


• 
  Tony Orlando, popular music singer.


• 
  Jim Stafford, comedian, singer, master guitar player.


• 
  Shoji Tabuchi, country music fiddler and singer.


• 
  Andy Williams, popular music singer.


• 
  Barry Williams, singer and actor.


• 
  Boxcar Willie, country music singer.

Media

• 
  Branson Tri-Lakes News – A twice-weekly newspaper that traces its origins back more than 100 years to the oldest publications in the Branson area.


• 
  Branson Tourism Guide – A yearly publication with official tourism resources.

Healthcare

Branson is served by the 165 bed full-service hospital and emergency department Cox Regional Medical Center and the Mercy Health System multi-specialty clinic.^[29][30][31]

Transportation

Highways

U.S. Route 65 runs north and south, connecting Branson to Springfield to the north, and Little Rock to the south.

Air

Branson is served primarily by Branson Airport, the closest commercial airport. Prior to the opening of Branson Airport, Branson was served by the larger Springfield-Branson National Airport located in Springfield Missouri. M. Graham Clark Field is a general aviation airport located in Branson that serves mainly single engine aircraft.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Branson, Missouri.

• City of Branson


• Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce


• Branson Tourism Center


• Branson Tourism Information


• 
  Branson, Missouri at Curlie
  


• 
  Branson travel guide from Wikivoyage


• 
  Sanborn Maps Collection in [University of Missouri]