Mysterious Myths and Local Legends

By Jordan Davis 

While most of us associate Branson with summer days on Table Rock Lake and nights filled with neon lights and fun, there's another side to this town: one filled with local legends and stories of the paranormal. These stories are part of the very foundation of Branson's most iconic locations, and it all started with a hole in the ground... 

SDC Marvel Cave

Marvel Cave is considered by many to be one of the most significant landmarks in Branson's history, so much so that this vacation guide might not exist without it. The cave was discovered in the early 1500’s by hunters of the Osage Tribe. Legend has it that a young hunter was pursuing a bear near a massive hole in the ground. During the hunt, both the hunter and the bear tumbled into the nearby hole. When other members of the tribe investigated, all they saw was darkness. They heard strange sounds emanating from the hole, leading them to name the place "Devil's Den," believing it to be an endless abyss. 

However, the name did little to deter future adventurers. Around the 1540s, Spanish conquistadors explored the cave and left behind tales of buried gold within its depths. Later, a group of miners mistakenly identified the wet limestone as marble, resulting in the cave's renaming to "Marble Cave" around 1869. Eventually, in 1894, the cave was transformed into the first attraction in Branson. Many have drawn inspiration from this unique cave, including Harold Bell Wright, who featured it in his book, Shepherd of the Hills (remember that name). Ownership of the land changed hands until it ended up in the possession of Hugo Herschend, a vacuum cleaner salesman from Chicago. His family would go on to establish a park based on an 1880s Ozark Mountain village, which we now know as Silver Dollar City. Although it is no longer the park's main attraction, you can still explore the cave, and for a more authentic experience, consider taking the special lantern tour. Who knows? You might be the one to discover the legendary Spanish gold. 

Branson Hotel

When it comes to the cornerstones of Branson's history, the Branson Hotel has a unique position, predating the town itself. Built by the Branson Town Company, the hotel finished construction in 1906. Over the years, the hotel has served not only as a resting place, but also as the first home of the Taneyhills Library in the 1930’s. However, in the last century, the Branson Hotel has also gained a reputation for the paranormal, with many stories revolving around its most famous guest… 

Harold Bell Wright (See, I told you he would come up again.) played a crucial role in putting Branson on the national stage, capturing the attention of the entire nation. In 1907, the Branson Hotel became Wright's second home, where he penned the renowned novel The Shepherd of the Hills, drawing inspiration from Branson for the fictional Ozark village of Mutton Hollow. Since Wright's passing, guests of the hotel have reported sightings of a ghostly figure writing at a desk in the same room he used back in 1907, now known as the Heritage Room. However, paranormal experiences are not limited to this particular room. 

In the Notebook Room, guests are encouraged to share their stories of their visits. As you flip through the pages of the guestbook, you'll come across several accounts of guests hearing a faint whisper, as if someone was walking beside them. According to a Texas couple, they discovered orbs floating around in their vacation videos captured at the hotel. The couple also claimed that their radio turned on by itself in the middle of the night, with distant voices coming from the device. One particularly intriguing story comes from a woman who stayed in 2014. During her stay, she described witnessing a cloud of mist form as she looked in the mirror. She also shared that her blanket was mysteriously snatched away from her in the night. But whether you believe in the paranormal or not, the Branson Hotel offers a unique blend of Ozark history and modern comforts that sets it apart from any other hotel. 

The Shepherd of the Hills: Baldknobbers

In the aftermath of the American Civil War, Southern Missouri grappled with the daunting task of rebuilding amid a struggling economy and societal turmoil. The region witnessed a surge in outlaw activity and Bushwhackers, with infamous figures like Jesse James roaming the state. Alone, Taney County experienced forty unsolved murders, highlighting the desperate need for restored law and order. In response, Nat Kenny and twelve others took matters into their own hands, forming the Citizen's Committee—a vigilante group aimed at restoring stability. However, their fate would take an unexpected turn. 

The group soon became more widely recognized as the Baldknobbers, earning their name from the prominent "bald" hill where they convened. As their numbers grew, they quickly established a notorious reputation, sporting distinctive horned masks. However, the Baldknobbers' ascent came with its own set of challenges. They gradually succumbed to the very lawlessness they had sought to combat. Their actions gained national attention when Harold Bell Wright depicted a group of Baldknobbers as antagonists in his book, the Shepherd of the Hills (as mentioned earlier). Today, visitors can delve into this intriguing past through The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama, a captivating theatrical representation of Wright's work, offering a glimpse into how the group twisted the law for personal gain. Additionally, at Silver Dollar City, the Baldknobbers make an appearance in the thrilling dark ride: Fire in the Hole, where they raid a frontier town. 

In Branson, the past intertwines with the present, blending the rich heritage of the Ozarks with the modern. And whether you’re looking for Spanish gold in Marvel Cave, a brush with the paranormal at the Branson Hotel, or to see how the Baldknobbers became outlaws, Branson has a story for you to become a part of. The only question is, where will you fit in?