Branson is a city located in Southwest Missouri, near the Ozark Mountains.http://www.branson.com/where-is-branson.htmlThe mayor of Branson is Raeanne Presley who was elected for her second term in 2007.http://www.cityofbranson.org/board/index.htmIn 2003, the population of the city was estimated to be over 6,200. Branson is known for its scenic views and summer events.

The crime rate in Branson is very low, with only 65 violent crimes in 2003 and no murders. Some attractions include the Table Rock State Park, Lake Taneycomo, Silver Dollar City, and 40 separate theaters.http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=20130The town was founded in 1882 by a man named Reuben Branson, and settled a few years later.http://www.bransonshows.com/articles/ThreeCenturiesofBransonMOHistoryTourismandEntertainment.cfm

Reuben Branson founded this city with the opening of a single shop and a post office. He promised people free land, so they came and the place was settled within two years. In 1960, the Silver Dollar City theme park was established.http://www.bransonshows.com/articles/ThreeCenturiesofBransonMOHistoryTourismandEntertainment.cfm

Other attractions were opened up that same year, including a theater and a music show, increasing tourist travel to Branson. When the White River Line boat service stopped later that year, however, tourism slowed down. This created an effort to build a new road that would become a more direct route to town. Now, people visit the city to see all it has to offer, and in 1999, Branson added to its collection of theaters with the opening of their Grand Palace.http://www.branson-missouri.com/history.asp

Some popular events that take place in Branson, MO include:

• Branson Fest - April
• Plumb Nellie Days - May
• Festival of American Music and Crafts - September through October
• Bluegrass & BBQ - May through part of June

Branson is also full of museums that are open year 'round, such as the Roy Rogers Museum and America's Presidency: A Museum and Gallery of American Presidentshttp://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=20130