Lamarcus Adna Thompson

Lamarcus Adna Thompson

Works Cited

• "Coney Island History Project." Coney Island History Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.
• "Theme Park History: L.A. Thompson, the Father of the Themed Roller Coaster." Theme Park Insider. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.

Inventor of the Roller Coaster

Death and Legacy

• Lamarcus Adna Thompson died at his home in Glen Cove, Long Island on May 8, 1919.

Interesting Facts

• Although he is not always credited for the invention of the roller coaster, he was the man to introduce his work to the public, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and build their own

• He worked shortly for a wagon and carriage business before starting his own business.

• His Legacy is lived on through Thompson Company Coasters.

• Thompson also invented the automatic car coupler, but sold it to car manufacturer George Pullman.

The Scenic Railway

• In the next four years, Thompson had built over 50 coasters, but the Scenic Railway turned into a major success.
• The new coaster then inspired Thompson to start his own company to build Scenic Railways around the world.
• The most notable Scenic Railway is located in Venice, California, which had lights, replicas of temples, and foreshadowing attractions.
• One of his Railways still, stand today in Melbourne, Australia.

Competition is Introduced

Rollercoaster Inspiration

• The Switchback Railway started competition when rival builders started to make designs of their own.
• In a few months, two more roller coasters opened at Coney Island.
• While others wanted their coasters higher, faster, and steeper, Thompson now turned his focus to lights, tunnels, and scenery

• Thompson was inspired by a trip to eastern Pennsylvania when he saw an old railway turned into a tourist attraction.

The First Roller Coaster

• After borrowing from past unfinished deigns and using his own ideas, Thompson invented the Switchback Railway, the first ever roller coaster.
• It opened at Coney Island in 1884, and was an instant success.
• He made almost $600 per day, charging 5 cents a ride.
• It stood 50 feet tall, 600 feet long, and went about 10 mph.
• The carts were shaped like bench-like trains, rode on mild hills, and then repeated the process the other direction.

The Stocking Business

• After attending Hillsdale College, Thompson went on to be a successful businessman.

• He started a manufacturing business that made and designed women's stockings.

• By the age of 35, Thompson had made a fortune.

• After a while, the business affected his health, almost causing a nervous-breakdown, so he sold the business.

Birth

Childhood

Schooling

Although little is known about his childhood, Lamarcus Adna Thompson was a highly skilled carpenter by the age of 12.

After mastering the ways of being a skilled carpenter, Thompson attended Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College is a private college in the state of Michigan.

As a child, Thompson was a very creative and bright child, foreshadowing his great success creating roller coasters.

Thompson attended Hillsdale to pursue the life of a successful businessman.

• Lamarcus Adna Thompson was born on March 8, 1848, in Jersey, Ohio.
• Little is known about his parents and siblings.