general store in the area in the 1880s . http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/north_america/branson/history.htm href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/north_america/branson/history.htm">[1]Historically, Branson was a small city. Today it is sometimes referred to as a "Family-Friendly Las Vegas " because of the numerous shows and attractions, as well as the flashy building decorations and neon lights.   Originally envisioned as a center for