On this day in history, June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in America opened at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York.
The ride, known as the Switchback Railway, was the creation of LaMarcus Thompson, according to History.com.
The coaster traveled about six miles per hour and cost only a nickel to ride, according to the nonprofit Coney Island History Project.
The coaster took passengers along West Tenth Street from Surf Avenue to the ocean, says the same source.
On June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in America built for the purpose of amusement opened at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York. “Even with all of its shortcomings, the ride was immensely popular and reportedly paid for itself during its first month of operation.” (Reuters)
“The Switchback Railway that debuted at Coney Island on June 16, 1884, holds the distinction of being the first roller coaster-type ride designed and built for the purpose of amusement, rather than an existing rail line converted for that purpose,” the Western Reserve Historical Society also noted.
“Even with all of its shortcomings, the ride was immensely popular and reportedly paid for itself during its first month of operation.”
Following the success at Coney Island, ride creator Thompson then founded an amusement empire called the L.A. Thompson Scenic Railway Company.
Coney Island’s first hotel had opened in 1829 — and by the post-Civil War years, the area was an established resort with theaters, restaurants and a racetrack, History.com noted.
Nathan’s is famous today not only for its hot dogs but for its hot dog-eating contest — held on Coney Island in Brooklyn every July 4th. (iStock)
“In 1916, a hot dog stand called Nathan’s was opened by a former Feltman employee and went on to become a Coney Island institution and international franchise,” said the same source.
“Today, Nathan’s is famous not only for its hot dogs but its hot dog-eating contest, held each Fourth of July in Coney Island.”
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The “Cyclone reaches a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour, carries 24 passengers, and boasts a total track length of 2,640 feet,” says the Luna Park NYC website.
The beach in Coney Island, including the Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone. The Cyclone “reaches a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour, carries 24 passengers and boasts a total track length of 2,640 feet,” says the Luna Park NYC website. (iStock)
“Highlighted in major films, music videos and works of art, the Cyclone is a cultural phenomenon and one of Brooklyn’s most iconic sites to visit,” says the same site.
In the spring of 1972, it was announced the Cyclone would have been removed to make way for expansion of an aquarium — but due to a “Save the Cyclone” campaign, the closure was canceled and the coaster reopened in 1975, according to Coasterpedia.
Designated a New York City Landmark in 1988 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, the Cyclone is acclaimed around the globe to this day and celebrated as one of the most famous roller coasters in the world, according to multiple sources.
Contestants compete to see who can eat the most hot dogs during Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 4, 2022. (Kerry J. Byrne/Fox News Digital)
Capable of speeds of 60 mph and with an 85-foot drop, the Cyclone is one of the country’s oldest coasters in operation today, according to History.com.
Today, Coney Island boasts an aquarium, amusement rides, restaurants, shops and much more.
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Yet in recent decades, it has been revitalized and remains a popular tourist attraction.
And it’s still home to the Cyclone.
