Taney County Agri-Facts
TANEY COUNTY is in the south central part of the
State. It is bounded on the north by Christian and
Douglas Counties; on the east by Ozark County; on the
south by Arkansas; and on the west by Stone County. It
has a land area of 389,000 acres.
The first settlements were made on the White River, in
1826-27, by Elijah McAdo, three members of the Denton
family, and two brothers, Jacob and Solomon Youchuim.
In 1830-31 James Oliver, Garner, Barnes, Nuchinn and
Edwards located in the county.
Reuben S. Branson, for whom Branson is named, came to
Taney County early in the 1880's and opened a general
store near the White River. His store also became a post
office in 1882.
In 1912-13 Powersite Dam created Lake Taneycomo
which inspired several settlers to go into the business of
float trips. Passengers, mail and freight were hauled by
ferry between Branson and Rockaway Beach.
The county was created January 6, 1837, and was named
for Chief Justice Taney, of the United States Supreme
Court. Forsyth is the seat of justice. The county records
were destroyed by fire in 1885.
Since the creation of Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Lake
and Bull Shoals Lake, the county has developed into a
tourist and retirement area. Approximately two million
people per year visit the area. Silver Dollar City has
emerged as one of the top recreation spots in Missouri
and helps to provide large summer employment and
economic stability to the county. Population has grown
tremendously during the last twenty-five years and
continues to increase as further development occurs.
Source: Encyclopedia of the History of Missouri
Missouri Agricultural Statistics Service
Missouri Agri-Facts
Taney County Agri-Facts