ISSUE 6 – STEVE KOVACS ANTIIQUE MAPS AND FUN FACTS

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (June 16, 200) – In Issue 6 of Steve Kovacs: Antique Maps & Fun Facts feature here on Loveland Beacon, Steve takes us to Coney Island in New York City for a roller coaster ride. 

Steve Kovacs, Loveland resident and antique map collector (Provided)

The first Roller Coaster opened 136 years ago at Coney Island  

Amusement parks have been around in some form since the Middle Ages.  However, the thrill factor took a step-change to new highs with the advent of the modern roller coaster.  Enabled by railroad technology, Coney Island opened the world’s first of roller coaster in 1884 on this day. 

That would be the Coney Island in New York City, not in Cincinnati…  Here is an interesting view of greater New York City metro area from 1846, drawn by Colton, showing the tri-state within a 33-mile radius around lower Manhattan.   

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Click here to visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Antique Maps & Fun Facts here on Loveland Beacon.

View of Greater New York 1846 (Credit Steve Kovacs)