Photo: Rich Koppelman

American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) recognizes Wild One at Six Flags America as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historic significance.

Wild One's long history began at Paragon Park in Hull, Massachusetts. In 1916, park owner George A. Dodge commissioned the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) to create a new coaster. Designed by John A. Miller, with Herbert P. Schmeck as construction foreman, Giant Coaster opened on May 26, 1917.

In 1932, Schmeck and PTC returned to remodel the side-friction coaster with more modern underfriction track construction using the coaster's original station and much of its structure.

When Paragon Park permanently closed in September 1984, Wild World in Bowie, Maryland, purchased the coaster. Charles J. Dinn of the Dinn Corporation was instrumental in moving portions of the ride and supervised the reconstruction. Engineer Curtis D. Summers reworked sections of the layout, including a new helix finale replacing one that was lost in a fire at Paragon Park in 1963. The newly named Wild One opened on May 3, 1986, as part of a $3.5 million expansion of the park.

Now known as Six Flags America, the park still features Wild One, which boasts a 98-foot height with an 88-foot first drop. Though modified over its long history, the classic wooden coaster has stood the test of time and continues to bring enjoyment and thrills to riders. ACE commends Six Flags America for continued operation of Wild One with a rich history that spans over a century.

Presented by American Coaster Enthusiasts
During Coaster Con 41
June 18, 2018