History and Evolution of Six Flags Over Texas Amusement Park

The History of Six Flags Over Texas

Six Flags Over Texas, located in Arlington, Texas, is one of the most popular and well-known amusement parks in the United States. The park opened in 1961 and was the first Six Flags theme park. The name Six Flags Over Texas refers to the six flags that have flown over the state of Texas throughout its history - Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America, and the United States of America.

The Early Years

The concept for Six Flags Over Texas was developed in the late 1950s by Angus G. Wynne Jr. and other investors who formed the Great Southwest Corporation. At the time, Walt Disney was enjoying great success with Disneyland in California, which opened in 1955. Wynne and his business partners wanted to bring a similar type of theme park to Texas. The company purchased 212 acres of land in Arlington and broke ground on the park in August 1960. The name Six Flags Over Texas was chosen to reflect the history and pride of the state.

When Six Flags Over Texas first opened its gates to the public on August 5, 1961, it featured several rides and attractions based on Texas history and culture. Some of the original rides and attractions included:

• The Oil Derrick - a swing ride that sat amid faux oil derricks
• The Casa Magnetica - a swing ride inside a Spanish mansion
• Texas Cliffhanger - a roller coaster designed to look like a runaway mine train
• Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes - a journey through Frontier Texas
• General Sam Houston's Steam Train - a tour of the park on an old-fashioned steam train
• Confederate Express - an excursion through the Confederate States section of the park on a replica antebellum steam train
• Runaway Mine Train - another early roller coaster
• Totem Pole - one of the park's original swing rides

The park also featured the Swiss Sky Ride, which travelled over the park and afforded excellent views. The original icon of Six Flags Over Texas was Oil Derrick. For its first four seasons, the park was only open from March or April through October or November.

Attractions Added in the 1960s

The following major rides and attractions were added in the 1960s:

• Astrolift - an aerial tramway system built by Von Roll that opened in 1964
• AstroWorld - a new space-themed area that opened in 1968
• Log Flume - a classic log fume water ride that opened in 1968
• Parachute Sky Dive - a paratrooper ride added in 1968
• Spain "Fiesta de los Vaqueros" - an expansion themed to Spain that opened in 1969 and featured the El Aserradero log flume ride
• France "Excursion de Lafitte" - a pirate-themed expansion themed to France opened in 1969

By the end of the 1960s, Six Flags Over Texas continued to expand and attract visitors from Texas and beyond. Several of the original rides, like the railroad, skyride, and Oil Derrick remained park favorites.

Major Additions and Park Expansions in the 1970s

The 1970s brought several new major rides and expansions to Six Flags Over Texas including:

1971 - Modernization and Branded Areas

In 1971, AstroWorld was expanded with the addition of other space-related rides like Spindletop. This was part of the company's efforts to create branded, themed areas within the park versus the original approach of loosely tying rides to a country. Mexico and USA sections were added this year as well. The Astrowayfuturistic walkway was constructed to link different areas of the park.

1973 - Log Flume,TICKET BOOTHS, and Toll Plaza

In 1973, visibility of the iconic Oil Derrick ride is reduced as the park builds more attractions surrounding it. The Log Flume log flume ride opened in a new USA section themed as a mining town. Modern ticket booths and an entry toll plaza were added to improve guest entry.

1975 - Observation Tower

The 301-foot tall Astroworld Observation Tower opened, giving guests a bird's-eye view of the park. The futuristic rotatingObservation Tower quickly becomes one of the park's signature structures. Marriott Corporation became involved with the park around this time as well.

1976 - Companies Become Six Flags

The separate companies that owned the parks rebranded during the U.S. Bicentennial as Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Over Georgia, etc. under the umbrella Six Flags company.

1978 - Great Southwest Corporation Becomes Six Flags

The Great Southwest Corporation officially changed its name to Six Flags over Texas.

1979 - Shockwave and Texas Chase Playhouse

The popular Shockwave roller coaster opened as one of first major coasters added during the 1970s expansion. The kiddie coaster Texas Chase Playhouse also opened in a new Kiddie Kingdom section aimed at young guests.

Major Rides and Attractions Added in the 1980s

Here are some of the most notable additions to the park in the 1980s:

1982 - Rivers of the Delta

Rivers of the Delta added water attractions like a children's play area and raft rides themed as a Southern delta.

1983 - Exxon Food Pavilion

A large Exxon-sponsored food pavilion opens and gives the park more air-conditioned diningoptions. Outdoor food stands were still around as well.

1984 - La Vibora and Batman: The Escape

La Vibora opened as the first bobsled coaster in Texas. Batman: The Escape brought a major comic book hero to the park with a unique inverted coaster experience.

1989 - Texas Tornado Opens

The Texas Tornado roller coaster opened as the first successful looping coaster in the park after failed prior attempts. It becomes a visitor favorite through the end of the 1990s.

Recent Decades and Park Highlights

Some of the key highlights and events at Six Flags Over Texas in more recent decades include:

1990s

• MR. FREEZE Reverse Blast opens in 1998 with unique backwards launch
• Renovations occur throughout the decade to areas like Looney Tunes USA and Texas section
• Shows like "Cool and Crazy" help provide entertainment

2000s

• Titans Tower towering swing ride opens in 2001
• Improvements made to park atmosphere and beautification
• Justice League: Battle for Metropolis interactive dark ride opens in 2017 and brings modern theme park technology

2010s

• New Texas SkyScreamer swing ride opens in 2014
• Bigger water park additions with Bahama Beach expansion
• Concert and event venue Rockville High opens in 2018

Today, Six Flags Over Texas continues to mix classic rides guests remember from childhood with new, innovative attractions. The park offers a full day of thrills across its different themed lands and hosts frequent special events. As the first Six Flags park, Six Flags Over Texas remains an iconic Texas amusement park destination that creates lasting memories.

FAQs

Where is Six Flags Over Texas located?

Six Flags Over Texas is located in Arlington, Texas, in between Dallas and Fort Worth. The park address is 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76011.

When did Six Flags Over Texas first open?

Six Flags Over Texas first opened its gates to the public on August 5, 1961. It was the first Six Flags branded theme park.

What are some of the main roller coasters at Six Flags Over Texas?

Some of the most popular roller coasters at the park include Mr. Freeze Reverse Blast, Batman The Ride, Shock Wave, Titan, Joker Wild Coaster, and New Texas Giant.

Are there water rides at Six Flags Over Texas?

Yes, Six Flags Over Texas has a variety of water rides and attractions. Some of the main water rides include Pirates of Speelunker Cave, Pandemonium, SplashWater Falls, and Bahama Blaster.

What are the operating seasons and hours for Six Flags Over Texas?

The park is generally open daily from early spring through late fall. Hours vary by day and season, but the park is usually open from at least 10:00am to 6:00pm on operating days. Extended hours apply during peak periods like summer.