The 600-foot wooden track that started America’s roller coaster mania in June 1884

The Switchback Railway at Coney Island

On June 16, 1884, LaMarcus Thompson opened America’s first roller coaster at Coney Island known as Switchback Railway.

It was a modest 600-foot wooden track where riders paid five cents to coast at six miles per hour. Thompson made $600 daily in profits.

Soon, competitors built faster, higher coasters, and by 1900, hundreds came up.

Here’s how one simple ride sparked the amusement park boom, and you can stand where it all began near today’s Cyclone.

Journey from Hosiery to History

Born in Ohio in 1848, LaMarcus Thompson first made his mark by inventing a machine that produced seamless hosiery.

Though it made him wealthy, the business strained his health.

During his recovery, Thompson visited Pennsylvania and rode the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway.

This former coal-mining train had carried tourists since 1827. The experience sparked an idea, he could create a smaller version built just for fun.

This concept eventually became America’s first purpose-built roller coaster.

Engineering an Entertainment Revolution

Thompson filed for a patent in 1884 and received number 310,966 the following year.

His design improved on Richard Knudsen’s 1878 “Inclined Plane Railway” patent by making it commercially viable.

The final design featured two parallel wooden tracks running in opposite directions, each starting from its very own tower.

Thompson built on a narrow lot on West 10th Street at Coney Island as it provided enough space for his 600-foot tracks.

The Ride Experience at Six Miles Per Hour

The Switchback Railway consisted of two 600-foot wooden tracks running from Surf Avenue toward the ocean.

A ride cost five cents, equivalent to about $1.50 today.

The coaster reached only six miles per hour, about jogging speed. Despite this modest pace, riders found the experience thrilling and novel.

Unlike modern roller coasters, the Switchback offered only one-way trips. Passengers needed to purchase another ticket for the return journey.

How the Switchback Worked

Riders climbed stairs to a platform atop the first tower. After boarding the bench-like car, an attendant pushed it to start the journey.

From that point, gravity alone powered the entire ride. The car rolled down the undulating track until reaching the second tower at the opposite end.

Upon arrival, passengers exited the car. Workers then “switched back” the car to a return track, giving the ride its name.

Passenger Seating and Views

The cars featured bench seats positioned sideways. Thompson designed this arrangement deliberately to give riders a better view.

From their elevated position, passengers enjoyed a rare vantage point in an era before tall buildings came into the picture.

Heart of Coney Island notes that Thompson used hidden lighting and moving backdrops to mimic storms and sunsets during the ride.

Immediate Financial Success

The Switchback Railway proved immediately popular. Lines formed as curious visitors waited to experience this mechanical novelty.

Thompson collected about $600 in daily profits (around $18,000) in today’s money. This success came despite the ride’s simplicity.

The financial windfall proved Americans would pay for manufactured thrills.

The Rush of Competition

Rivals appeared before summer’s end in 1884.

By August, five similar rides operated at Coney Island. Two competitors from Toledo built nearby versions with supposedly longer tracks.

Charles Alcoke created the Serpentine Railway featuring an oval track that allowed continuous rides without switching.

Thompson couldn’t stop imitators until his patent was granted in January 1885, by then, the coaster race was already on.

Innovations that Quickly Surpassed the Original

In 1885, Phillip Hinkle created “Gravity Pleasure” with a mechanical lift system, eliminating manual pushing.

His design also introduced forward-facing seats that felt more natural and heightened the sensation of speed.

Charles Alcoke’s Serpentine Railway used a full oval track, enabling continuous operation without switching tracks.

As a result, passengers no longer needed to exit and climb stairs for a return trip.

Thompson’s Response to Competition

Thompson secured about 30 additional patents to improve his rides.

In 1886, he patented coasters featuring dark tunnels with painted scenery, transforming simple gravity rides into immersive experiences.

He created “scenic railways” with exotic backdrops, appealing to audiences who couldn’t afford foreign travel.

As competitors built faster rides, Thompson marketed his as “safety” coasters, emphasizing their smoother operation for more cautious riders.

Launching a National Amusement Empire

Thompson established the L.A. Thompson Scenic Railway Company headquartered on West Eighth Street in Coney Island.

Within four years, he had built 50 roller coasters across America.

At Coney Island alone, he constructed multiple scenic railways near major parks like Dreamland and Luna Park.

Thompson mentored several roller coaster designers, including John Miller, who designed Coney Island’s Thunderbolt under his guidance.

Visiting Coney Island, New York

The original Switchback Railway at Coney Island no longer exists.

The Coney Island History Project exhibition center features historical markers, photos, and artifacts from Thompson’s first roller coaster.

Explore their walking tours of historic Coney Island, which highlight the former site of the Switchback Railway along West 10th Street.

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