ROLY COASTERS:
MAPPING AMERICAN ROLLER COASTERS
Early History: 1880-1920
Pictured: L.A. Thompson's original 1885 patent
for the Switchback Railway
Pictured: Leap the Dips in Altoona, Pennsylvania
The Nitty-Gritty: Further Insights
As the turn of the 20th century approached, patents for roller coaster technology began to be filed in the U.S. Ideas such as the "circular railway" and the "steam-driven hoist" began to appear in U.S. patent offices. Although technically the first of these ideas realized was the Circular Railway (Chicago, 1883), the Switchback Railway designed by L.A. Thompson is generally considered the first roller coaster in America.
The Switchback Railway was built at New York's Coney Island in 1884, where the bright tableau's and boardwalk bustle inspired a classic image of the amusement park.
The oldest surviving roller coaster in America was born from this age: Leap the Dips is still standing in Altoona, Pennsylvania to this day. Although not operating, one can find many videos of Leap the Dips online.
Leap the Dips is also believed to be the last surviving side-friction roller coaster, meaning that it had an extra set of wheels that prevented the coaster from derailing on a sharp curve! Leap the Dips also had hand-operated brakes. It is certainly a blast from the past.
Pictured: L.A. Thompson's original 1885 patent for the Switchback Railway
Pictured: Leap the Dips in Altoona, Pennsylvania
During this early era, most roller coasters were made of wood since it was most readily available. As before, the northeast is the dominant region for coasters, close to the original rides in Chicago and Coney Island. During this time, Chicago was already a leader in coasters, and would not be overtaken until quite later on.
During this early era, most roller coasters were made of wood since it was most readily available. As before, the northeast is the dominant region for coasters, close to the original rides in Chicago and Coney Island. During this time, Chicago was already a leader in coasters, and would not be overtaken until quite later on.
