National Rollercoaster Day

On Aug 16, 1878, Richard Knudsen and J.G. Taylor received a US patent for the first wooden roller coaster. The device consisted of two adjacent railway tracks that ran between two towers carrying four-passenger cars: the force of gravity would pull the cars down gently sloping hills. The cars were then hauled upward and into the opposite tower for the return trip. Several years later, a gentleman by the name of LaMarcus Thompson was credited for actually building the first authentic ride of this type at Coney Island, NY. This was the start of something big, and what would eventually become the king of thrill rides that millions of thrill seekers know today. Every Aug 16, enthusiasts share their love for the roller coaster at amusement parks everywhere. May the force of gravity be with you!