Strange Facts – 10 Little-Known Facts About Roller Coasters

Ah, Roller coasters... these heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping carnival rides, have been a staple of theme park rides for over a century now. Here are ten little-known facts about these thrilling attractions but I bet you didn't know:

1. Invention for Distraction: The American roller coaster was invented as a distraction from Satan’s temptations. LaMarcus Adna Thompson, often referred to as the “Father of the American Rollercoaster,” invented the Switchback Gravity Railway in 1884.

2. Coal Carriers Turned Thrill Rides: One of the earliest coasters in America carried coal before it carried thrill seekers. The Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway, built in 1827, was a gravity railway that served dual purposes: a coal carrier in the morning and a joy ride in the afternoon.

3. Wooden Beginnings: When roller coasters were first built over 100 years ago, they were made of wood. This was much cheaper and less permanent than metal, and meant the roller coaster could be taken down more easily.

4. Inspiration from Russian Mountains: People have been going very fast for fun for hundreds of years! In the past in Russia, wealthy people would build giant slides in winter (Called ‘Russian Mountains’) to sledge down, which may have been the original inspiration for the modern roller coaster.

5. Tallest Roller Coaster: The tallest roller coaster in the world is Kingda Ka in New Jersey, USA. It stands at a staggering height of 456 feet, which is taller than the Statue of Liberty.

6. Fastest Roller Coaster: The fastest roller coaster is the Formula Rossa in Abu Dhabi. It can reach speeds of up to 240 km/h, so fast that riders have to wear safety glasses to avoid getting bugs in their eyes.

7. Love or Hate: Roller coasters elicit strong reactions. Some people love the adrenaline rush, while others find the same sensation terrifying.

8. Preserved History: You can still ride some of the oldest roller coasters, including ‘Leap-the-Dips’ in Pennsylvania, USA, which opened in 1902.

9. Longest Roller Coaster: The longest roller coaster is the Steel Dragon 2000 in Japan. It’s 2,479 meters long and can reach speeds of up to 95 mph.

10. Early Speeds: The first roller coasters only went about 6 mph, much slower than today’s thrill rides.

These are just a few of the amazing facts that highlight the fascinating history and evolution of roller coasters, from their humble beginnings as wooden structures to the high-speed steel giants we know today.

Enjoy your next ride!