The roller coaster traces its origins to Russia, where wood-framed ice slides sent sledders down 70-foot high slopes as early as the 16th century. These Russian Mountains also became popular summertime attractions when wheeled carts rolled riders down large, undulating wooden ramps.
What is considered the first successful commercial roller coaster made its debut in 1884 at New York's famous Coney Island. LaMarcus A. Thompson constructed the first roller coaster, the primitive Gravity Switchback Railway. The ride was an instant success, drawing long lines of eager riders and yielding returns at an astounding $600 a day. The idea of the gravity ride spread quickly, leading to great diversity in early roller coaster design. Rides similar to Thompson’s,
What is considered the first successful commercial roller coaster made its debut in 1884 at New York's famous Coney Island. LaMarcus A. Thompson constructed the first roller coaster, the primitive Gravity Switchback Railway. The ride was an instant success, drawing long lines of eager riders and yielding returns at an astounding $600 a day. The idea of the gravity ride spread quickly, leading to great diversity in early roller coaster design. Rides similar to Thompson’s,