In 1909, New York City Mayor George McClellan threatened to close down Coney Island amusement parks on Sundays, citing an old blue law promoting a "day of rest". Coney Island's amusement proprietors would band together and fight for the right to operate, in a story about the growing role of recreation in America.
A third "Dragon Gorge" ran for over a decade at Revere Beach, in Massachusetts. However, the Thompson Scenic Railway Company would eventually abandon the amusement over high taxes and low profits. Meanwhile, Coney Island's Gorge would coast on until a tragic, blazing inferno finally brought it down.
The Dragon’s Gorge was an indoor, themed roller coaster created for Coney Island’s Luna Park in 1905. This post, the first of three, will explore inventor La Marcus Thompson’s concept behind The Dragon’s Gorge, the ride experience, and its early history at Luna.