A Response to Hedonism
In 1884, LaMarcus Adna Thompson, dismayed by the rise of saloons and brothels, sought to create a wholesome alternative for entertainment. His answer was the Switchback Gravity Railway, a gravity-powered roller coaster at Brooklyn’s Coney Island. Riders paid five cents for the experience.
A Scenic Innovation
Thompson’s coaster wasn’t about speed or adrenaline. Riders sat in slow-moving cars that coasted along scenic tracks. Facing outward, they enjoyed picturesque views, including recreations of famous landscapes like the Swiss Alps and Venetian canals, all designed to inspire and entertain.
A Popular Attraction
The Switchback Gravity Railway quickly became a hit, attracting families and thrill-seekers alike. Its simple design—a straight, point-to-point track with cars manually pushed to the starting incline—marked the beginning of roller coasters as a staple in amusement parks.
The Father of Coasters
Thompson’s invention, though modest compared to today’s rides, earned him the title “Father of the American Roller Coaster.” His vision of providing moral amusement laid the groundwork for the thrilling and imaginative coasters we enjoy today.
In 1884, LaMarcus Adna Thompson, dismayed by the rise of saloons and brothels, sought to create a wholesome alternative for entertainment. His answer was the Switchback Gravity Railway, a gravity-powered roller coaster at Brooklyn’s Coney Island. Riders paid five cents for the… pic.twitter.com/KEBuR8rolR
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