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Discover the history of roller coasters from early ice slides to modern-day thrill rides. Explore the evolution of these adrenaline-pumping attractions from the 1600s to the present day.
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A Ride Through the History of the Roller Coaster Lauren Friedman June 26, 2004
In the Beginning 1650 - The origin of the roller coaster dates back to the Russian ice slides built in the mid 1600’s.
1817 - Russes a Belleville was the first roller coaster to lock the cars to the track.
The Ariel Walk, located in France, was one of the world’s first roller coasters.
1846 - The world’s first looping coaster with a 13-foot diameter was imported to France from England.
Into America 1872 - The Mauch Chunk Switchback railway is considered the first American roller coaster.
In 1878, Richard Knudson was one of the first to patent a roller coaster.
Coney Island, New York Thompson’s Switchback Railway opened in 1884 in Coney Island, New York. It charged five cents per ride.
The loop-the-loop was one of the first looping roller coasters in the world. It opened in 1901 in New York’s Coney Island.
The Dark Days of Roller Coasters 1929 - During the Great Depression many of the countries roller coasters fell into a state of disrepair.
Roller Coasters Rejuvenated 1957 - A number of dare devils attempted to jump between the racing trains on the cyclone racer in Long Beach, California. Some were lucky, some were not.
Amusement Parks Take Over 1975 - The Corkscrew at Knotts Berry Farm in California was the worlds first modern inverted roller coaster.
1987 - The Vortex at Paramount’s Kings Island was built featuring six inversions. It sparked a race among parks and designers to build taller and faster coasters.
1996 - Montu at Busch Gardens Tampa debuted as the largest inverted roller coaster. It featured seven inversions.
2000 - Millennium Force at Cedar point was the first full-circuit roller coaster to break the 300 foot barrier.
References www.discoverychannel.com www.ultimaterollercoasters.com