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Roller Coasters in America
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First Roller Coaster created in America
With the completion of the Hauto Tunnel in Pennsylvania in 1872, railworkers now had an easier way to transport coal up and down the mountains. Even though the Hauto Tunnel is nothing like the modern coasters we have today, it is considered to be the "forefather" of today's roller coaster. -
Passengers on Roller Coaster
In 1873, the Hauto Tunnel railway re-opened. This was significant because the trains carried passengers up and down the mountain, instead of coal. The Hauto Tunnel railway became a tourist attraction because of its wide-spread popularity, and the fact that it was the first roller coaster to have a complete circuit. -
Coney Island
"The Switchback" roller coaster opens in Coney Island, New York. It got its name because it had several switchbacks and sharp curves. This was the first time that the general public could pay for a ride down a wooden track. -
First Roller Coaster to use a chain-lift
In San Francisco, engineers use a chain-lift to improve the "switchback" design. This had a huge impact because just about every roller coaster that we have today, uses a chain-lift in its design. -
Side-Friction Roller Coaster Created
Leap-the Dips is created in Lakemont Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania. It is the oldest running coaster to date. -
Coaster opens in New Jersey
Clementon Park's Jack Rabbit roller coaster opens in New Jersey. -
Cyclone Coaster
The world famous Cyclone roller coaster at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, NY opens. It is still in operation today. This is important because the previous "Cyclone" model that opened in 1925 was unsuccessful. -
The Rocket
The Rocket opens at Playland Park in San Antonio, TX. It is later moved to Knoebels in Elysburg, Pennsylvania in 1985. -
Disneyland
Walt Disney opens his first theme park, Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Today, Disneyland is a major tourist attraction for people of all ages. -
First Tubular Track
The world's first tubular track steel roller coaster, the Matterhorn Bobsleds opens at Disneyland. The production of steel during the Industrial Revolution contributed to the production of the steel roller coaster. -
Wooden Coaster
John Allen's Mister Twister opens at Elitch Gardens in Denver, CO. This is significant because it is a wooden coaster, and some of the building materials may have come from the Industrial Revolution. -
John Allen creates another Coaster
The Racer designed by John Allen opens at Kings Island in Cincinnati, Ohio. John Allen also aided in the production of the "Mr. Twister" coaster in Denver, Colorado. -
First Looping Coaster
The world's first modern looping roller coaster opens at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA. The Corkscrew designed by Arrow Dynamics featured two inversions. It was removed in 1989 and relocated to Silverwood Park in Athol, Idaho in 1990 where it continues to operate today. This is significant because the amount of technology needed to master a looping coaster was incredibly difficult. -
First Vertical Loop
The Revolution at Magic Mountain in Valencia, California opens. It is the first roller coaster to feature a vertical loop. This is significant because it revolutionized the structure of the modern roller coaster. -
Corkscrew Coaster
Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio opens the Corkscrew. It is the first roller coaster in th world to have more than 3 inversions. -
Worlds Longest Roller Coaster
The Beast opens at Kings Island in Cincinatti, Ohio. To this very day, it is still known as the longest wooden roller coaster in the world, at 7,400 Feet in length. -
First Stand-Up coaster
The Arrow Dynamics failed stand-up coaster opens at Six Flags Mid-America in St. Louis, Missouri. This was significant because steel and metal that were developed during the Industrial Revolution helped in the building process for this roller coaster. -
Fastest Roller coaster
Steel Phantom opens at Kennywood Park. It becomes famous because of its major drop of 225 Ft. (the tallest drop), and its top speed, racing at over 75 m.p.h. Also, the chain is used to power this roller coaster. -
Full Circuit Coaster
Goliath opens at Six Flags Magic Mountain. It features the world's largest drop (255 feet) and is the tallest (235-feet) and fastest full-circuit roller coaster in North America. -
Tallest Coaster
Top Thrill Dragster opens at Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH. The second Intamin "Rocket Coaster" debuts at the world's tallest (420-feet), fastest (120 mph) roller coaster. It also features the world's largest drop (400-feet). Technology created during the Industrial Revolution helped get building materials for this roller coaster.
