SR 13, SR 76 and SR 265 run through Branson West.

Two brothers who settled in the area were the origin of the lost Silver Mine legend and the now famous Yocum Silver Dollar. To this day the story of this mine remains a controversy, with some insisting the mine really existed and its entrance is hidden; while others state that the brothers, acting on information from the Indians, actually found a cave with a horde of silver left behind by Spanish Conquistadors which the brothers melted down and used to create their coins. Although no entrance to the mine has been found; its legend has drawn visitors and investments to the city. Around 1884 a company was formed to mine the cave just East of the city. Although no precious metals or lost silver or gold was ever discovered in the cavern, the mining company was able to excavate large amounts of Bat guano or droppings prized as fertilizer and in the production of gunpowder. The cavern was eventually renamed Marvel Cave and when mining operations ceased it became the major tourist attraction now known as Silver Dollar City bringing many visitors to the city.

Hon. Mark Rundel