Roller Coaster History
Learn what historians say about the oldest roller coasters dating back to the 17th century. The oldest roller coasters descended from the so-called “Russian Mountains,” which were specially constructed hills of ice located especially around Saint Petersburg, Russia. Although, the groundwork for the invention of the roller coaster was laid in Europe, the ride as we know it today developed in the United States. La Marcus Thompson is often credited as the “father of the roller coaster” building a switchback railway at Coney Island in 1884.
For more information review the comprehensive history on the American Coaster Enthusiasts website: https://www.aceonline.org/page/History
Knoebels’ Flying Turns Opens And Brings Joy To First Riders
After seven years in the making, Knoebles’ one-of-a-kind ride Flying Turns debuts!
Loop Coasters In The Early 1900s
Roller Coasters were far more popular than imagined at the turn of the last century. Photo of a loop coaster from the early 1900s.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Looff Carousel Celebrates 100 Years
The oldest ride at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk passed the century mark in 2011.
Dinn And Summers — A Brief Resurgence In Wooden Coasters
Over a period of four years, ten of these Dinn & Summers coasters as they would become to be known were constructed at various parks across the United States.