On this day in 1884, the first roller coaster in America opens at Coney Island,
in Brooklyn, New York. Known as a switchback railway, it was the brainchild
of LaMarcus Thompson, traveled approximately six miles per hour and cost
a nickel to ride. The new entertainment was an instant success and by the
turn of the century there were hundreds of roller coasters around the country.

                         
LaMarcus Adna Thompson                                               Nickel
(March 8, 1848 – May 8, 1919)