This Day In History - First Roller Coaster in America 1884

First Roller Coaster in America 1884

Friday, June 16, 2023

All Day

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Event Description

On this day in 1884, the first roller coaster in America opens at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York. Known as a switchback railway,it was the brainchild of LaMarcus Thompson, traveled approximately six miles per hour and cost a nickel to ride. The new entertainment was an instant success and by the turn of the century there were hundreds of roller coasters around the country.

Event Location

Cony Island, Brooklyn, New York City