At Coney Island in Brooklyn, N.Y., the first roller coaster in the U.S. opened on this date in 1884. The American Coaster Enthusiasts (a nonprofit organization of more than 6,500 members from 16 countries, AKA "the world's largest club of amusement ride enthusiasts") tells us the Gravity Switchback Railway was the brainchild of LaMarcus A. Thompson, and that it was an instant success, "drawing long lines of eager riders and yielding returns at an astounding $600 a day." The concept of the coaster took off in no time, and similar rides were soon built around the world. For more on the history of roller coasters, we'll of course point you to ACE.
NCPA
