Changes

==History==

==History==

Branson was hard to get to until 1903 when the Missouri Pacific Railroad came through. The town was a originally center of the lumber industry, which faded after 1930. Paved highways were built in the 1920s, making Branson a jumping off point for city folk who made recreational trips to the mountains, lakes and fishing spots.  Thousands of city folk have summer cabins in the area, and retirement homes are growing. Factory outlet stores have grown. A major new airport opens in spring 2009, making the site more accessible to distant visitors.  

Branson was hard to get to until 1903 when the Missouri Pacific Railroad came through. The town was a originally center of the lumber industry, which faded after 1930. Paved highways were built in the 1920s, making Branson a jumping off point for city folk who made recreational trips to the mountains, lakes and fishing spots.  Entrepreneur Jim Owen opened the Hillbilly Theater in 1934, revealing the demand for live entertainment with an Ozark theme.  Chicago businessman Hugo Hischend opened a cave attraction in the 1950s. After his death his family, inspired by Disneyland, opened the Silver Dollar City theme park in 1960. Besides numerous rides, it continues to feature a chapel, regular church services and a saloon that serves only soft drinks. Two country music theaters opened in the late 1950s. The city emerged in the 1980s as the country music perfomance capital, second perhaps only to Nashville.

Entrepreneur Jim Owen opened the Hillbilly Theater in 1934, revealing the demand for live entertainment with an Ozark theme. Chicago businessman Hugo Hischend opened a cave attraction in the 1950s. After his death his family, inspired by Disneyland, opened the Silver Dollar City theme park in 1960. Besides numerous rides, it continues to feature a chapel, regular church services and a saloon that serves only soft drinks. Two country music theaters opened in the late 1950s. The city emerged in the 1980s as the country music perfomance capital, second perhaps only to Nashville.  

The area remains a major outdoor recreation center. Thousands of city folk have summer cabins in the area, and retirement homes are growing. Factory outlet stores have grown. A major new airport opens in spring 2009, making Branson more accessible to distant visitors.

==Tourists==

==Tourists==