On Thursday, September 26, community leaders gathered for a grand reopening of the new and improved Historic Highway 165/Branson scenic overlook. Listed on both local and national travel reviews as a “must do,” the site offers one of the area’s best views, overlooking the Table Rock Dam, Lake Taneycomo, and communities in Hollister and Branson.
The need for updates was suggested by a citizen, who cited concerns about insecure fencing and footing with the steep terrain. Following the revitalization and renovation project, the overlook now has ADA accessibility, improved pedestrian and vehicular safety, and even more enhancements to the natural beauty, plus additional signage about the historic location.
Patrick Haygood served as emcee for the reopening ceremony, introducing and thanking members of the Taney County Commission for their support of the project; administrators of the Taney County Road and Bridge Crew for providing excellent work on the rock work, concrete, and fencing; and the local businesses who provided design services, construction project cost estimates, and new historic plaques; as well as City of Hollister officials for their support. Particular attention was drawn to the detail work done by the crew, such as cutting individual fencing spindles on-site, in spite of the recent summer heat, to ensure that each spindle was exactly right for its particular spot in the terrain. Haygood also thanked Sheriff Brad Daniels and his team for their help coordinating vehicular access during the construction as well as for the reopening ceremony.
The project had extra-special meaning for Road & Bridge Crew member Joe Epps, who served with Elmer Jennings as project leads. Epps’ great-grandfather, Frank Epps, was a stonemason for the original construction years ago. The overlook location was originally proposed as the site for Table Rock Dam, but was then deemed unsuitable by engineers, resulting in the existing location for the dam and the high vista being used as an overlook instead.
Constructed from 1954-1958, the dam spans 6,423 feet and rises 252 feet above the White River. It is an important element of flood control as well as generating electricity. The resulting Table Rock Lake, with its 43,100 acres and 745 miles of shoreline, has been a popular boating and bass fishing destination and was named “best lake in the U.S.” for 2023 by Travellers Worldwide, for those reasons as well as its proximity to family entertainment. Below the dam, Lake Taneycomo is one of the nation’s top trout-fishing locations, with the Missouri Department of Conservation releasing 575,000 trout annually from Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery.
The Globe wishes to join in thanking the community and county leaders, businesses and the hard-working crew for a job well done. Combining with beautiful views and with the popular Vintage Paris coffee shop and entertainment venue across the highway, the improved safety and accessibility are sure to keep the overlook on that “must see” list for many years to come!
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