Photo: Tim Baldwin

American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) recognizes Screamin' Eagle at Six Flags St. Louis as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historic significance.

In honor of America's bicentennial celebration in 1976, Six Flags management decided to add a record-breaking roller coaster to the park that was then called Six Flags Over Mid-America. After the huge success of Great American Scream Machine at sister park Six Flags Over Georgia just three years earlier, famed roller coaster designer John C. Allen (1907-1979) of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) was hired to create an even larger coaster at Six Flags' suburban St. Louis theme park. Allen was assisted by consultant Donald Rosser and structural engineer William L. Cobb (1917-1990), and the coaster was erected by the Frontier Construction Company. It opened to the public on April 10, 1976.

Climbing to a height of 110 feet, Screamin' Eagle features an 87-foot first drop and a 92-foot third drop. The wooden coaster reaches a top speed of 62 mph along its 3,872 feet of track, which in 1976 made it the tallest, longest and fastest single-track roller coaster in the world. The extensive white structure with its blue handrails and red track bed provides a beautiful patriotic backdrop within the park's natural hilly topography.

Screamin' Eagle was the final coaster design for both Allen and PTC. It has been noted that it was also Allen's favorite design of his career.

ACE commends Six Flags St. Louis for the continued preservation of Screamin' Eagle, a true American classic roller coaster.

Presented by American Coaster Enthusiasts
During Coaster Con XXXIX and Screamin' Eagle's 40th anniversary season
June 21, 2016