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Many of the best roller coasters of all time were built during this period. Competition spawns the Great Wild Ride building boom that lasted until the end of the decade.

This is the golden age of amusement parks. Many parks close, due to the public's increased mobility caused by the invention of the automobile, and interest in new attractions such as motion pictures. This new method of holding the coaster to the tracks, while reducing drag, would revolutionize the roller coaster, safely allowing for higher, steeper drops and faster speeds. John Miller patents his design for the underfriction roller coaster. Luna Park burned down in 1947.īy this date, more than 2000 Amusement Parks are operating throughout the U.S. The electrical "Arabian Nights" style of architecture attracted over 40,000 patrons that first evening. Thompson and Dundy's Luna Park, Coney Island, opens on May 16th. Soon hundreds of trolley parks were in operation throughout the United States. How did they do this? By building an amusement park at the end of the trolley line, hence the term, "Trolley Park", and a new era began. Naturally, the trolley magnates became frustrated because little need existed to operate trolleys during the weekends although they still had to pay for the electricity to operate their systems.Ī solution was to get the general public to ride the trolleys on Saturdays and Sundays, thus creating more revenue for the traction companies. It didn't matter how much or how little the trolleys were used. Electric Traction (Trolley) Companies began to appear in the urban United States.Įlectric light and power companies charged the traction companies a flat monthly fee for electricity on which they ran their trolleys. The late 1800's saw the beginning of a brand new industry, Public Transportation. Sea Lion Park inspired numerous amusement parks throughout the United States including the three Great Coney Island Parks including Luna Park (1903-47), Dreamland (1904-11) and Steeplechase (1897-1964). The park served as a model for Sea Lion Park at New York's Coney Island.Ĭaptain Paul Boyton's Sea Lion Park opens at Coney Island. After relocating in 1896, Chutes Park closed in 1908. Built by Captain Paul Boyton, Chutes Park was the first amusement park to be enclosed and charge an admission. The ornate building facades and brilliant electric lights, dictated amusement park design for the next 60 years.Ĭhutes Park in Chicago opens. and was 264 feet high.Īlso introduced at the Columbian Exposition was the Midway Plaisance (or White City Midway). A true wonder of the then modern world, the Ferris wheel weighed in at over 4 million lbs. It is later relocated to New York's Coney Island.Ĭhicago's Columbian Exposition introduces the famous George Ferris Giant Wheel. Lina Beecher of NY, constructs America's first vertical looping roller coaster in Toledo. These “trolley parks” spread rapidly throughout America offering picnic facilities, dance halls, restaurants, games, and a few amusement rides. Amusement parks, typically built at the end of the trolley lines, provided the ideal solution. To maximize revenue, operators seek ways to attract riders during lightly used evenings and weekends periods. Soon hundreds of trolley lines are constructed around the country. The first electric powered street railway opens in Richmond, Virginia. This device is recognized as the first true roller coaster in America although several similar attractions had already opened. Thompson introduces his Switchback Gravity Pleasure Railway at Coney Island. The attractions included Cabaret entertainment, Vaudeville acts, Melodramas, Fortune tellers, Games, and rides such as small carousels. With the completion of the first railroad to Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY, it is fast becoming popular as a seaside resort.Ĭoney's most popular attractions were located in pavilions built near the water. The French called the device Chemin du Centrifuge. The first looping gravity railway is exhibited at Frascati Gardens, in Paris, France. By the early 1800s it is home to one of the first carousels in the country.Ĭoney Island is linked to New York City via roadway and the first hotel opens launching the growth of America’ most legendary amusement area. The pleasure garden is exported to America with the opening of Vauxhall Gardens in New York City. These simple amusements were the forerunner of today's roller coasters. Small Wooden sleds used iron runners to glide down hills in St. Large ice slides, supported by heavy timbers, become popular as a wintertime diversion in Russia. The attractions included fountains, flower gardens, bowling, games, music, dancing, staged spectacles and a few primitive amusement rides. These were the first permanent areas set aside specifically for outdoor entertainment. Pleasure Gardens begin to appear in Europe.