![]() ![]() ![]() Calendar: The first Six Flags season was 45 days long.Some of the Six Flags’ most popular rides and attractions from the Texas history days were Casa Magnetica (which actually re-opened in the 2000s), La Salle’s Riverboat Expedition, Spee-Lunker’s Cave, Skull Island, The Texas Chute Out, and Spindletop, as well as the Southern Palace and Crazy Horse Saloon (which are live music venues still in operation today, along with the “living history” rides mentioned above).įOUR: Let’s take a look at Six Flags by the numbers, then and now: Originally, the park was correspondingly divided into six regions representing these unique eras of Texas history, with a heavy focus on our state’s Hispanic and Old West heritages. The park’s name famously refers to the flags of the six different nations that have governed Texas since the 1600s, from colonization to the modern era. THREE: What’s the story behind those six flags? Which Six Flags ride weighs in as the oldest still in existence, you ask? That would be The Six Flags Railroad (located at the Texas Depot), which has been in operation since the park’s inaugural season in 1961. Indulge in a bit of nostalgia on your next visit to Six Flags by taking a few of the park’s more “historical” rides and attractions, including the Oil Derrick (open since 1968), Runaway Mine Train (1966), El Sombrero (1965), Yosemite Sam’s Gold River Adventure (opened in 1964 as the Spee-Lunker’s Cave), Silver Star Carousel (1963), El Aserradero/The Log Ride (1963), and the Chaparral Antique Cars (1962). Vandergriff and Wynne’s vision for a Disneyland-inspired, deluxe-but-affordable destination for family entertainment would forever change Arlington and Texas history-and ultimately expand into what is today the world’s largest amusement park company, with 18 properties in North America and two located overseas. It took Wynne about $10 million and one year to complete construction on what he originally intended as a “placeholder” project that would eventually be converted into an industrial complex-a plan that quickly faded as the park’s popularity took root. Six Flags Over Texas was the combined brainchild of former Arlington mayor Tom Vandergriff and local entrepreneur Angus Wynne, Jr., the park’s original owner and developer. ONE: So whose big idea was all this, anyway? As we approach the latest Six Flags milestone moment (the expansion of Gotham City with three new rides) let’s take a short detour down Memory Lane and enjoy these intriguing Six Flags history nuggets: Six Flags Over Texas isn’t just one of the world’s greatest amusement parks, it’s also a magical destination that’s steeped in urban legends, one-of-a-kind memories, and fascinating facts. Harley Quinn Spinsanity: A classically-styled 30-foot spinning ride, Spinsanity offers “just-right” thrills for adults and kids of all ages, making it the perfect ride for the entire family. Not for the faint of heart!Ĭatwoman Whip: The Catwoman Whip offers the chance to spin, tilt and whip around, building up speed and more speed until you can’t wipe the smile off your face. The Riddler Revenge: A 90-foot pendulum that propels you back and forth on a dizzying, 70-mile-per-hour counter-clockwise journey. Opening Memorial Day Weekend at Six Flags Over Texas’ GOTHAM CITY: Three NEW thrilling attractions! ![]()
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