History of Amusement Parks

Fairs

1133

Around this year fairs were very popular

Pleasure Gardens

1500

This was the first ever amusement park. Unfortunately, it was closed down due to political problems.

The First Rollercoaster

1500

In this century the Russians created the first roller coaster. It was made out of lumber.

Roller Coaster Cars

1817

In France two roller coasters where built with cars that had groves that fitted to the cars.

First Looping Roller Coaster

1846

In England they were testing the first loop in a roller coaster. the loop was 13 feet wide and was tested many times before human use.

The First Carousal

1876

This was built on Coney Island in New York.

First Ferris Wheel

1893

The World Fair in Chicago introduced the worlds first Ferris wheel. It was 26 feet tall and had 36 carts.

The Cyclone

1927

The worldwide known Cyclone marked the start of roller coasters being the most popular attraction at amusement parks.

The Great Depression

1929

Due to The Great Depression business went down for amusement parks and some rides even got burned down.

Disneyland

1955

This was unlike any park before it because it had themed lands and matching attractions.

Theme Parks

1964

People started to create full out theme parks. The first theme park was Universal Studios in Hollywood.

The Arab Oil Embargo

1973

This oil embargo hit the theme parks hard and many plans were scrapped.

Expansion

1980

Since 1980 amusements parks have been growing in popurality and in size. They continue to add knew things and the future looks good.