Branson

In 1939, Branson was described as the paradise of the Ozarks—the playground of America. Originally home to the Osage, the harsh rocky terrain made homesteading difficult. The Ozarks's wilderness became a hideout for bushwhackers following the Civil War. The masked Bald Knobbers developed as vigilantes to defend mountain families. Today, the Baldknobbers are known as Branson's first musical show. In 1894, tours began in Marble Cave, one of 8,000 Ozarks caves. Now known as Marvel Cave, it boa...