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Six Flags over Texas holds the distinction of being the first theme park built by the famous company of same name. Six Flags currently runs 21 amusement parks throughout North America. The dynasty started in 1961 when the fourth most popular theme park operator in the world was created.

The park was the brainchild of Angus G Wynne Jr, a local property developer who along with various investors provided the finance for the park which was planned in 1959 and following rapid construction was opened for public use two years later on the first day of August. A maximum admission fee of $2.75 per adult was charged which proved popular with visitors. By the end of November, over half a million people had enjoyed access to the park's twenty attractions.

Throughout the remainder of the 60's, the park started to expand and capitalise on the public's zest for fun. Towards the end of the decade, two million visitors a year chose to spend money to gain access to the park which by now had added plenty of attractions as well as two extra sections of the park to add to the six that had originally existed.

Going from strength to strength, Six Flags continued to expand their successful operation during the 1970's. Ownership had now changed hands to the Penn Central Railroad. Another new section was built and the park continued to grow by offering further attractions for patrons to enjoy a summer afternoon riding around on.

By now the park was firmly established as a major American leisure attraction. Bands started to receive invites to play concerts for students and attractions and rides were continuously added as profits steadily increased as visitors kept returning to keep business brisk and the owners happy.

Expansion has continued to modern times with records being broken by the park's Titan' ride which held the record for being the fastest and tallest roller coaster in the state. The Texas Giant' attraction won an award in 1999 to gain the title of the World's premier wooden roller coaster.

Tragedy struck in the same year when Valeria Cartwright drowned when the raft she was on overturned during the Roaring Rapids' ride. This awful day also resulted in ten other guests suffering injuries. Six Flags joined the Cartwright family in a lawsuit against the company responsible for parts that had involvement in the accident and also paid $4 million dollars to the 28 year old's family.

Since that dark day The park has moved forward and now has in excess of fifty rides as well as providing numerous shows, concerts and dining experiences for most tastes available within its 212 acres. The open season is March through December and generations of family members have had the pleasure of enjoying the many pleasures that are on offer.

Six Flags over Texas now looks forward to see what the future will bring. The current owners of the park aim to keep things fresh by removing older rides and replacing them with modern equivalents. There is the possibility to use a section of the large parking lot to extend the grounds to house new attractions.

For 47 years, Six Flags has been at the forefront of family entertainment in Texas. They will be looking to continue the good work and entertain future generations of fun loving people who are to visit the park.

Learn more about this author, Mark Jones.
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