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A Century to CelebrateBranson is a unique place with a uniquely American story.Nestled deep in the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri, this small community has always had a welcoming spirit, a tenacity to make it through tough times, and a deep foundation of faith. These ideals — coupled with a love of craftsmanship and music — shaped the culture of the Ozarks and the Branson area.
It was this culture, set against the natural beauty of the Ozarks, that drew the first "tourists" to the Branson region in the late 1800's, including an author named Harold Bell Wright. And it was this culture that so many people around the world became fascinated with after reading Wright's landmark 1907 novel "The Shepherd of the Hills."
Word spread quickly about Branson and the Ozarks. By 1912, the settlement was bustling with residents and visitors, and was officially incorporated as a city.
In the past 100 years, Branson has evolved and grown in many ways. Today, Branson is home to more than 10,000 residents and has become Missouri's top vacation destination, welcoming about 8 million visitors a year. Branson is now surrounded by three lakes and countless attractions and entertainment options. But in other ways, Branson has remained unchanged since those early days. The unspoiled Ozark Mountain vistas, wilderness and waterways are as breathtaking as ever. The folks who live here still have a rugged and independent spirit, as well as a deep dedication to God, country and family. And visitors still come from great distances to forget their cares for a while.
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