The roller coaster, as popularly known today, was pioneered by LaMarcus Adna Thompson, who is often credited as the "Father of the American Roller Coaster" after creating the first commercially successful roller coaster, the Switchback Railway, at Coney Island in 1884. However, early forms of the roller coaster trace their roots back even further, particularly to the Russian Mountains, ice-covered slides popular in 17th century Russia.
LaMarcus Adna Thompson's Contributions
- Thompson built the Switchback Railway, the first commercially operated roller coaster in 1884.
- He later patented several improvements in roller coaster design and was responsible for popularizing the ride in amusement parks.
- Thompson's scenic railways, with their dramatic drops and scenic tunnels, spread widely throughout the United States and Europe.
Early History: Russian Mountains
- The earliest roller coaster-like rides were the "Russian Mountains" from 17th century Russia, which were large wooden slides covered in ice.
- These slides, sometimes adapted for summer use with wheeled carts, inspired later developments in roller coaster technology.
Later Innovations
- John A. Miller, another key inventor, advanced roller coaster safety and technology in the early 20th century with inventions like the underfriction wheel, crucial for modern high-speed coasters.
- The first complete-circuit roller coaster with a lift hill was the Gravity Pleasure Road, built by Phillip Hinkle in 1885, which further propelled the popularity of roller coasters.
In summary, while roller coaster-like attractions started in Russia, LaMarcus Adna Thompson is most often celebrated as the inventor of the modern, commercial roller coaster.