Ever wonder what it felt like to be part of a safari? Well, Six Flags America has a wild past. It started as a wildlife center in 1974. Ross Perot founded it. ABC television ran it as The Largo Wildlife Preserve.
However, the safari didn’t quite roar to success. In 1978, Jim Fowler of Wild Kingdom bought the property. He gradually transformed it into a theme park. It was named Wild World. In 1992, Premier Parks acquired it. It became Adventure World. Finally, in 1999, it was rebranded as Six Flags America.
The “America” in the name highlights its proximity to Washington D.C. The entry plaza reflects Colonial Maryland architecture. Today, Six Flags America is an amusement park. It is located in Woodmore, Maryland. It’s near Upper Marlboro. It is close to the Washington, D.C. area.
Let’s dive deeper into its history. Irish brothers Frank and William Stephenson envisioned an animal park. They approached Ross Perot in 1971. They formed C.T. Industries, Inc. They bought land in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
In 1973, ABC’s Scenic & Wildlife Attractions division took over. The Wildlife Preserve opened in 1974. Attendance fell short of expectations. In 1975, narrated tours were added. ABC announced a $30 million amusement park expansion.
But plans changed. In 1976, the park nearly closed. ABC cited low attendance and revenues. The Wildlife Preserve was a $4 million liability.
The park remained open with a smaller staff in 1977. It closed for the 1978 season. Jim Fowler bought the park. In 1979, it reopened with a guided train tour. There was also a children’s playground and animal shows. Still, the park struggled. It closed again in 1980.
In the summer of 1980, a group of local businessmen bought the safari. They invested $11 million. They expanded the park. The animal drive-through remained. Three flat rides were added. Two kiddie rides and a carousel followed. It reopened as Wild World in 1982. Water slides were added. Revenue improved slightly.
The 1983 season brought more flat rides. The waterslide area expanded. A large wave pool was added. It was named ‘Wild Wave’. Sadly, a 9-year-old boy died in the wave pool. Safety changes were implemented. The safari closed during the 1983 season. A guided train tour replaced it.
In 1984, most adult rides were removed. The park focused on being a water park. A new stadium was built. More water slides came.
In 1985, the rides returned. Wild World wanted to build a wooden rollercoaster in 1986. Costs were too high. Community opposition arose. Inspired by Knoebels, Wild World sought a used coaster. They acquired Paragon Park’s “Giant Coaster”. It was rebranded “The Wild One”. It opened in 1986. A kiddie coaster was added.
In 1992, Tierco Group Inc. bought Wild World. It was renamed Adventure World. New rides were added. In 1993, a second adult rollercoaster came. A water ride called Shipwreck Falls was also added. Adventure World was named the most improved amusement park in the country.
Premier Parks acquired Six Flags in 1998. Adventure World became Six Flags America in 1999. Gotham City was added. Three new coasters debuted.
Today, Six Flags America has themed sections. Main Street 1776 is inspired by Colonial North America. Chesapeake reflects life on the Chesapeake Bay. Looney Tunes Movie Town brings cartoons to life. Mardi Gras celebrates New Orleans. Gotham City immerses you in the world of DC Comics. SteamTown recreates the American frontier.
Six Flags America offers more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions. Hurricane Harbor is Maryland’s largest water park. There are ten roller coasters. These include BATWING and SUPERMAN: Ride of Steel. There are also thrill rides and children’s areas.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline or family fun, Six Flags America has something for everyone. From its humble beginnings as a wildlife preserve to its current status as a premier amusement park, Six Flags America continues to evolve and thrill visitors of all ages.