THE HISTORY OF ROLLER COASTERS

1st known roller coaster

Oct 23, 1400

IN PRUSSIA!!

Russian Mountains,

Oct 23, 1600

These were giant slides made of ice, built around St. Petersburg. They ranged from 70 to 80 feet tall.

1st Roller Coaster on Wheels

Oct 23, 1784

thought to have originated in St. Petersburg, Russia

2nd Known Roller Coaster on Wheels

Oct 23, 1812

In France, with guard rails

Mauch Chunk gravity railroad

Oct 23, 1827

A railroad box controlled by a brakeman. Constructed in Pennsylvania.

1st Known Single Loop Coaster

Oct 23, 1846

These coasters held one-person sleds.

First Switchback Railway

Oct 23, 1884

This coaster was built in Coney Island, New York

Hinkle introduced the first complete-circuit coaster with a lift hill, the Gravity Pleasure Road

Oct 23, 1885

Coney Island's most popular ride at the time.

1st Roller Coaster with dark tunnels and painted scenery

Oct 23, 1886

Invention of the Flip Flap, another loop roller coaster

Oct 23, 1895

in Brooklyn. It was unsafe and was dismantled.

John Miller develops the Under-friction coaster

Oct 23, 1912

Keeps the cars securely on the track.

The Cyclone opens in Coney Island

Oct 23, 1927

Disneyland opens the Matterhorn Bobsleds

Oct 23, 1959

This was the first steel-framed roller coaster.

The first modern-day inverted coaster was built - Corkscrew.

Oct 23, 1975

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.