June 13, 1884: The world's first roller coaster opened today in 1884 at Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY. Built and later patented by LaMarcus Thompson, the "Gravity Pleasure Switchback Railway" boasted two parallel 600-foot tracks that descended from 50 feet. The train started at a height of 50 feet on one end and ran downhill by gravity until its momentum died. Passengers left the train and attendants pushed the cars over a switch to a higher level. The passengers then returned to their seats and rode back to the original starting point. The cars traveled at six miles per hour. Riders paid five cents for their ride and Thompson grossed an average of $600 per day. The roller coaster was a sensation and soon amusement parks all over the US and the world featured them.
