LaMarcus Adna Thompson

LaMarcus Adna Thompson was a pioneering American inventor and businessman, best known as the “Father of the American Roller Coaster.” His innovations in amusement ride design laid the foundation for the modern roller coaster industry.

Born on March 8, 1848, in Jersey, Ohio, Thompson exhibited mechanical aptitude from a young age, crafting farm equipment and toys. By 17, he was a master carpenter. In 1873, he began operating a grocery store in Elkhart, Indiana, where he invented a machine that produced seamless hosiery, leading to significant financial success . However, health issues prompted him to sell his business and pursue new ventures.

In 1884, Thompson introduced the “Switchback Gravity Railway” at Coney Island, New York. This gravity-powered ride featured a 600-foot track with a 50-foot elevation, allowing passengers to coast at speeds up to 6 mph. Riders faced sideways and disembarked at the end to switch tracks for the return journey . This innovation marked the inception of the modern roller coaster.

Thompson’s success led him to establish the L.A. Thompson Scenic Railway Company in 1895. He developed the “Scenic Railway,” a ride that combined roller coaster elements with immersive thematic experiences, simulating journeys through landscapes like the Swiss Alps.

The Switchback and the Scenic Railway are examples of his designs, but every other roller coaster constructed at the Pleasure Beach and across the world can be traced back to LaMarcus Adna Thompson.