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Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington has the distinction of being the very first Six Flags theme park. Angus G. Wynne, inspired by a recent trip to Disneyland, decided Texas needed its own theme park. After spending 10 million dollars and beginning construction in 1959, the theme park was able to open its gates on August 5, 1961.

Angus chose the Six Flags name after the six different nations' flags that have adorned Texas flagpoles, those being France, Mexico, Spain, the Republic of Texas, The Confederate States of America and the United States of America.

Located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, the 212-acre theme park is home to 50 exhilarating rides, numerous shows, and attractions. The park incorporates a little history and cartoon influences in its separate themed areas. Those include, Mexico-Spain, Texas, Tower, Old South, France, Looney Tunes, Boomtown, Goodtimes Square, and Gotham City.

Since the gates swung wide for the first time, this location has had several milestones in the history of roller coasters.

Opening day had the rollercoaster Sidewinder, which was known as a wild mouse track design. These were rides using single cars on a track with very tight turns. The front of the car travels past the turn before changing directions, giving the feeling that the car will fall off the track. Later it was renamed to Cucaracha when was relocated to the Mexico area.

The first wet and wild log flume ride, El Aserradero was introduced to the park in 1963, while in 1966 the Runaway Mine Train made its debut. This was the first modern steel rollercoaster built as compared with many of the older rides which were made of wood.

The daring years of the 70's brought two new attractions to Six Flags. These being The Texas Chute Out, the first parachute drop ride (1976) and Shockwave, the first double loop roller coaster anywhere (1978). The thrill of having double loops back to back enabled the Shockwave to be the number one ride only one year after its debut. This ride climbs to an elevation of 116 feet and reaches speeds of 60 mph.

In an effort to find more creative thrills and chills, Six Flags introduced the Wildcatter in 1982. This freefall ride was not one of the more popular attractions and later was removed from the park. The creative geniuses behind the rides were not to be deterred and decided to go back to roller coaster roots. In 1990 Texas Giant emerged and the highest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world. This 143' high coaster reaches speeds of 62 mph and pushed riders up a vertical climb at 53 degrees. The Giant managed to hold onto is title until 1999.

A little different spin on a roller coaster ride was introduced with Mr. Freeze in 1998. This sit down ride's attraction was the 180 degree inversion it went through along with the speeds of 70 mph reached in 3.8 seconds. Riders are also treated to a 190 foot long tunnel during the ride.

Taller and faster were to be the mark of the new century when Titan and Superman: Tower or Power and came into existence. Titan, still the tallest rollercoaster in Texas today reaches speeds of 85 mph has a height of 245' and a drop of 255'. The length of the ride lasts 3:30 and has the exhilarated riders shooting through a 120' long tunnel.

Superman: Tower of Power is a 32 story structure ride that shoots you to the top at 45 mph then allows you to free fall back down to the bottom. You will experience what it is like to feel like the man of steel!

With the current gas prices, and people choosing to vacation closer to home, consider this theme park. Close to home, fun for the whole family, and a genuine good time Six Flags in Arlington, Texas is worth the price of admission.

Learn more about this author, CD Gozzi.
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