Discover Branson, Missouri

Great American Country's Very Barry Branson , follows Barry Williams, of The Brady Bunch fame, as he produces and stars in a 1970s-inspired musical variety show. Get to know the city of Branson, Missouri, where Williams lives and performs.
By: David Hollerith and Molly Spining
Related To:
Midwest Cities

Photo By: Matt Blair ©2014, Great American Country/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Silver Screen Collection

Photo By: Evan Lampe

Photo By: Matt Blair ©2014, Great American Country/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Historic Branson

In 1882, Reuben Branson opened the first post office in a one-horse town in the Ozark mountains. Though Branson had no way of knowing what the town would become, he might have seen Branson’s initial promise and charm, existing as a small dot of Ozark fellowship in a vast frontier wilderness of alluring natural beauty.

Marvel Cave

Branson’s oldest natural wonder is Marvel Cave. Discovered in 1882, Marvel Cave was opened at the turn of the century and is now one of the state’s oldest attractions. Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City Attractions.

Silver Dollar City

In the 1950s, the theme park Silver Dollar City was opened. Complete with re-enactors, the theme park recreated small town frontier life, acting as Missouri’s version of Colonial Williamsburg. Photo courtesy of the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Beverly Hillbillies

Two decades later, on a boy scout trip to the Ozarks, Paul Henning was inspired by Branson to write The Beverly Hillbillies. Early visitors were drawn to Branson by sheer curiosity. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

The Baldknobbers

In 1959, the Baldknobbers Jamboree opened the first live music show in Branson, mixing popular country tunes, Ozark roots music and a dash of comedy in twice-a-week performances. The Baldknobbers then built their own theater in 1969 and are the oldest running live music show in Branson. Photo courtesy of the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Presley Family

Two years before the Baldknobbers, the Presley Family (no relation to Elvis) built Branson’s first music theater and continue to put on shows today starring four generations of Presleys including three of the original members. Photo courtesy of the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Chisai Child’s Starlite Theater

Not long after Shoji Tabuchi’s arrival from Japan with only $500 to his name, he gambled the odds in Branson, building his own theater in 1990. Today, The Tabuchi Show is held in one of the most elaborate theaters in Branson and features country, polka, gospel, cajun, Hawaiian, rap, rock, and the national anthem. Photo courtesy of the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Roy Clark Celebrity Theater

Then in 1983, Roy Clark opened the Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre and began hosting country music celebrities like BoxCar Willie, Ray Stevens and Jim Stafford. Roy Clark was also the star host of the hit TV show Hee Haw.

The Low Family Theater

The Low Family Theater also opened with the Sons of the Pioneers and were joined by guests such as Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty and Vern Gosdin among others. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

An Ozark Getaway

Since the turn of the millennium, Branson’s growth has only gained momentum. Once a one-horse town, this Ozark getaway offers outdoor recreation, entertainment and live music shows. 

Branson’s Secret

Visitors not only get to see the stars play up close and personal, they also get to meet them and even get an autograph signed. The secret ingredient to Branson’s musical success: offering Americans the rural vacation getaway of their dreams at a reasonable price. Photo courtesy of the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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