Steeplechase Park
| Company type | Amusement park |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 1897 |
| Founder | George C. Tilyou |
| Defunct | 1964 |
| Fate | Closed and site sold to developer Fred Trump |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn, New York City , United States |
Area served | Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City |
| Products | Amusement rides and attractions |
Steeplechase Park was an amusement park situated in the Coney Island area of Brooklyn, New York City, operating from 1897 until 1964. Established by businessman George C. Tilyou, it was the earliest among Coney Island's trio of major parks, preceding both Luna Park (1903) and Dreamland (1904). Steeplechase held the distinction of being the longest-operating park, lasting 67 years.
At its height, the park covered . Tilyou initially brought together various individual rides he had purchased during the early 1890s to form a cohesive amusement destination, officially launching Steeplechase in 1897. The park quickly became popular as a family-oriented attraction, albeit with some playful and slightly provocative features. After suffering a major fire in 1907, it was swiftly rebuilt. The Tilyou family sustained profitability by consistently adding new rides and experiences, including the famous Parachute Jump. However, by the 1960s, factors such as increasing crime rates, competition from suburban entertainment venues, and local residential expansion contributed to its financial decline.
Upon closing in 1964, developer Fred Trump purchased the property with plans for residential construction that never came to fruition. Throughout the 1970s, the site hosted seasonal amusement rides. In the following decades, conflicts emerged among developers debating whether to restore the amusement park or develop a sports facility. Ultimately, a minor-league baseball stadium—Keyspan Park, now known as Maimonides Park—was inaugurated there in 2001.
Presently, the Parachute Jump stands as the only remaining structure from Steeplechase Park. The surrounding grounds are managed by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation as a green space named Steeplechase Park. Furthermore, Steeplechase Plaza within Luna Park (2010), featuring the B&B Carousell, commemorates Steeplechase Park’s heritage.
History
The inception of Steeplechase is credited to George C. Tilyou (1862–1914). During his honeymoon in 1893, he visited Chicago’s World's Columbian Exposition, where he encountered the Ferris wheel and sought to acquire one for himself. Since it had already been sold, Tilyou constructed a half-sized version on Surf Avenue at Coney Island, which rapidly became a major attraction. Observing the success of nearby horseracing venues at Sheepshead Bay, Gravesend, and Brighton Beach, Tilyou expanded his offerings with additional rides across Coney Island. Although he owned several individual rides initially operating independently, this changed after Paul Boyton opened Sea Lion Park in 1895. At first, Tilyou’s concessions were overshadowed by numerous saloons along Bowery Street.
1897–1907: Formation and early development
In 1897, after acquiring and enhancing the Steeplechase Horses ride—featuring gravity-powered mechanical horses racing on metal tracks—Tilyou officially opened Steeplechase Park. The park extended over , with Tilyou owning about two-thirds and leasing the rest. Situated at Bowery Street’s western terminus, entry was through an impressive stone archway on Surf Avenue designed to attract families by charging a modest 25-cent admission fee while prohibiting drinking, gambling, and prostitution.
The midway featured more than fifty attractions including curiosities such as Human Niagara Falls, Venetian gondolas, Aerial Racing Slide, Double-Dip Chutes, Bicycle Railway, "French Voyage" panorama, and a Wild West sideshow. Additional facilities included a steam railroad, saltwater swimming pool, ballroom, and LaMarcus Thompson's Scenic Railroad roller coaster. Scale replicas of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben added to the park’s charm. In 1904, Steeplechase Pier was built just south of the park. The park’s mascot—the "Funny Face" or "the Tilly"—embodied Coney Island’s mix of wholesome fun with subtle risqué undertones. Tilyou’s guiding phrase "Keep 'em laughing" was evident in ride names such as Whirlpool and Earthquake Staircase.
In pursuit of fresh attractions in 1901, Tilyou invited Frederic Thompson and Elmer "Skip" Dundy to relocate their popular Pan-American Exposition ride A Trip To The Moon to Steeplechase. However, after a rainy season in 1902 hurt profits leading to Sea Lion Park’s closure nearby, Thompson and Dundy rebuilt Sea Lion as Luna Park in 1903 and moved their ride there.
Following Luna Park’s success came Dreamland’s opening in 1904. At Coney Island’s early-20th-century peak, these three parks competed alongside numerous independent amusements. By 1904 five railroads connected visitors to Coney Island directly. Luna Park and Dreamland offered more expensive experiences; in response, Tilyou introduced rides with mildly suggestive themes that remained popular despite their provocative nature. Examples included the Barrel of Love—a large rotating drum—and other devices encouraging close interaction among riders.
Encouraged by Steeplechase’s prosperity, Tilyou planned further parks within New York City and beyond. In November 1904 he announced plans to sell Steeplechase for $1.25 million to finance a new amusement park in Rockaway, Queens; however, this sale was canceled early in 1905 due to issues with defective land titles affecting part of the property. Between 1905 and 1907 Tilyou enhanced Steeplechase by adding features such as a miniature railroad, orchestra stand, Cave of the Winds attraction, Fads and Fantasy Building, Limit Building (replaced by Monte Carlo Building in 1907), and a pony track for children.
1907 fire and reconstruction
A fire broke out on July 29, 1907, originating from the Cave of the Winds ride, swiftly engulfing most of the wooden buildings along Bowery Street and significantly damaging Steeplechase Park. The destruction affected approximately 35 acres of Coney Island, with losses estimated at $1.5 million. Despite this setback, founder George C. Tilyou remained resolute, assuring the public that rebuilding efforts would proceed and scheduled events would continue. The day after the blaze, he displayed a sign announcing intentions to create a "bigger, better" Steeplechase Park and charged a dime for visitors to view the charred remains.
In response to new city regulations prohibiting flammable construction, Tilyou pledged to rebuild using fire-resistant steel and concrete materials. Financing was secured through a $2 million stock offering by the newly formed Steeplechase Park Company in 1908. Tilyou sold 100,000 shares to the public and provided season passes to investors purchasing $5 certificates. By April 1908, the park partially reopened, drawing large crowds even as construction was ongoing.
The reconstructed park was completed in 1909 and featured the Pavilion of Fun—a vast steel-and-glass structure measuring 450 by 280 feet (2.8 acres)—which housed rides and exhibits reminiscent of the original attractions, including the Human Wheel and Mixer. The original Ferris wheel was salvaged and placed outdoors. A redesigned Steeplechase Horses ride exited through the Pavilion of Fun. Additional improvements comprised two new entrances, an expansive plaza overlooking a sunken garden, the Palace of Pleasure ballroom, various sideshows, airships, Venetian gondolas, an Automobile ride, and eight roller coasters. Admission fees remained at 25 cents, with combination tickets granting access to all 25 attractions.
1910s and 1920s
In the early decades of the twentieth century, Tilyou enhanced Steeplechase Park by introducing new features such as several carousels beginning in 1908 and what was billed as the "World's Largest Swimming Pool" in 1909. By 1911, he had opened an indoor swimming pool hall and aimed to add a fresh attraction each week. The year 1912 saw additions like the El Dorado Carousel and repurposed structures salvaged from Dreamland following its destruction by fire in 1911. Local community efforts resulted in a 1913 New York Supreme Court decision permitting state acquisition of a portion of Steeplechase’s beachfront for public use.
After George C. Tilyou’s passing in 1914, control of the park transferred to his children with Thomas F. McGowan appointed as general manager. The family maintained ownership until the park’s eventual closure decades later. Edward Tilyou, George’s eldest son, introduced a skating rink in 1915 and added the Marcus Illions-designed Racing Derby Carousel in 1920, notable for its innovative horse movement mechanism. He also developed "Babyland," a play area for children, alongside other rides such as Frolic, bumper cars, Witchway swings, and Caterpillar flat rides during the early 1920s. During this era, Steeplechase attracted increasingly orderly crowds despite Coney Island’s overall decline. The park also hosted popular beauty competitions including the "Modern Venus" Bathing Beauty Contest in 1922 and Grandma's Beauty Contest in 1932.
Several attractions were lost during this period; notably, the Upside-Down House succumbed to fire in 1911. Additionally, Steeplechase lost its private beach following legal action that resulted in state ownership of Coney Island’s shoreline by 1913; this was upheld by an appellate court ruling in 1916 leading to removal of obstructions along the beachfront.
The inauguration of the Riegelmann Boardwalk in 1922 elevated property values near Steeplechase and prompted street realignments that marginally increased park acreage while causing some land loss due to new roadways. These changes spurred further enhancements driven by Edward Tilyou. The mid-1920s are often regarded as a "golden age" for Coney Island roller coasters: Steeplechase introduced gravity rides such as Zip and Limit while nearby entrepreneur George Moran constructed the Thunderbolt coaster. Other additions included the "Old Mill tunnel of love" water ride and a Noah's Ark-style attraction. After McGowan’s death in 1927, James J. Onorato assumed general management responsibilities. In 1928, one swimming pool was replaced by the Hey Day attraction, and gas-powered Custer Cars were installed along the boardwalk.
1930s: From the Great Depression to World War II
Attendance at Steeplechase Park plummeted during the Great Depression. Early in the decade, a single-ring circus was established between the Limit coaster and a nearby pool, adjacent to a children's wading pool. A carousel debuted on West 16th Street in 1930, while in 1931, the Whale and the Whip replaced the Noah's Ark attraction. Despite financial hardships, beauty pageants continued to attract crowds. By 1934, as economic conditions improved, Steeplechase introduced a bobsled roller coaster known as Flying Turns.
The park experienced several accidents and fires throughout this period. A significant fire in July 1932 caused damages estimated at $1.5 million, injured six individuals, and left approximately one thousand people homeless; however, Steeplechase and Luna Park were largely spared as the blaze was concentrated further west. In 1933, a balcony collapse due to overcrowding resulted in injuries to 57 visitors, and in 1935, a fatal accident occurred when a child fell from the Steeplechase Horses ride. Minor ride-related injuries were common occurrences. Another fire in September 1939 inflicted $200,000 worth of damage, injured 18 people, and destroyed various boardwalk concessions along with park entrances. In response, a new brick concession building and an Express Train ride were constructed near the pavilion during the following year.
Competition grew fiercer with the arrival of the 1939 New York World's Fair at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, which diverted visitors from Coney Island. After the fair concluded in 1940, the Tilyou family acquired its iconic Parachute Jump ride—a parachute tower modeled after military paratrooper training equipment—and installed it at Steeplechase in 1941 on the former site of Flying Turns. The attraction featured twelve parachutes descending from a tall tower and was part of an overall renovation of the Riegelmann Boardwalk.
Additional new rides added in 1941 included rocket cars, a Whip ride, and the Silver Streak. However, World War II conscription caused labor shortages; by 1945 only 70 employees remained compared to the typical workforce of 300, resulting in temporary closure of the Pavilion of Fun. Staffing levels returned to normal by 1946.
1940s and 1950s: Decline
Although Steeplechase Park remained popular initially, post-World War II difficulties—including recurrent fires, dwindling attendance, and white flight—contributed to its downturn. Luna Park suffered devastating fires in 1944 and closed two years later in 1946, leaving Steeplechase as Coney Island’s only major amusement venue. Following Edward Tilyou’s death in 1944, management passed to his siblings George Jr., Frank, Marie, and Eileen; their contentious relationships impeded effective leadership.
In 1945, the Tilyou siblings leased out the boardwalk carousel to their cousin James J. McCullough and rented out the pool area in 1946. The new pool operators introduced a season pass system that effectively excluded African American patrons despite their increasing presence among visitors. The park transitioned from flat admission fees to tiered ticket pricing and converted part of its ballroom into a television studio by 1947. That same year introduced a $1 pass granting access to fifteen rides; however, many guests still took advantage of free admission days offered to various groups. In 1947 Steeplechase celebrated its twentieth millionth visitor and added attractions like the Scrambler and C-Cruise in 1948. A "lost kids' department" was established in 1951.
The decline persisted with demolition of multiple rides and buildings—including removal of the skating rink in 1951 and elimination of the Old Mill boat ride by 1954, which was replaced with parking space. A flood combined with fire damage in 1953 affected machinery operations while internal family conflicts intensified following their mother’s passing in 1954. The workforce mainly consisted of elderly employees accepting low wages due to underpayment. Financial performance improved when Arthur Godfrey and His Friends began broadcasting from Steeplechase in 1955. After a fire destroyed Steeplechase Pier in 1957, it was rebuilt on a larger scale by 1958. George Tilyou Jr. died that year; his sister Marie assumed presidency in 1959, demoted James Onorato to general manager, and introduced new rides such as Tilt-a-Whirl, Round Up, and Paratrooper for the seasons spanning 1959–60.
Decline
Robert Moses, the New York City parks commissioner, was a persistent critic of Coney Island, frequently characterizing the beach as excessively crowded. As early as 1937, he released a report suggesting potential redevelopment, and by the late 1940s, he had rezoned the area to permit high-rise residential buildings. In 1953, Moses proposed rezoning most of the peninsula for housing, allowing Steeplechase Park to continue operating but replacing much of the shoreline amusement facilities with residential projects.
Coney Island saw a drop in visitor numbers due to increased crime rates, limited parking availability, unfavorable weather conditions, and competition from the 1964 New York World's Fair held at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. Despite Steeplechase Park drawing record crowds in 1961, it faced numerous difficulties such as an assault on an employee, resistance to new ride installations, and land sales by the Huber family. A fire in 1963 destroyed several attractions, and ongoing criminal incidents further discouraged visitors. By 1964, attendance had fallen to its lowest level in 25 years, while the Tilyou family continued to pay $120,000 annually in taxes.
By the early 1960s, George C. Tilyou's heirs were growing older; his last surviving son, Frank, passed away in 1964. Ownership of Steeplechase Park was divided among four women who held divergent visions for its future. The park closed after its final season on September 20, 1964. Speculation about a sale surfaced in early 1965. On July 1 of that year, developer Fred Trump acquired the property for $2.5 million and announced intentions to construct upscale apartments aligned with Coney Island’s evolving residential focus. Although opposed by the local Chamber of Commerce, this transaction marked the conclusion of Steeplechase Park’s tenure as Coney Island’s longest-running attraction.
1960s
In a highly publicized event in September 1966, Trump demolished Steeplechase Park's Pavilion of Fun. During the demolition ceremony, attendees were reportedly given bricks to break the pavilion’s remaining glass windows themselves. This demolition was widely interpreted as a preemptive measure against a proposed city landmark designation following the controversial destruction of Pennsylvania Station in 1963. The mechanical horses from Steeplechase were sold to an amusement park in Dania Beach, Florida; meanwhile, the El Dorado Carousel was first stored in New Jersey before being shipped to Japan. Trump unveiled plans for a 160-foot-high enclosed dome featuring recreational amenities and a convention center designed by Morris Lapidus. Brooklyn borough president Abe Stark supported this vision; however, the Coney Island Chamber of Commerce opposed it due to concerns about inadequate space. Additionally, Trump envisioned constructing four residential towers of 30 stories each on the remaining land, comprising a total of 3,000 apartment units.
In December 1965, the Coney Island Chamber of Commerce proposed developing a resort covering 12.5 acres on the site. By October 1966, city officials announced intentions to acquire the former parkland for recreational purposes. While local residents favored this plan, Trump criticized it as "wasteful." Around 1967, the New York City Planning Commission rezoned the property for recreational use. That same year, Trump leased part of the land to Norman Kaufman, who operated fairground amusements under the "Steeplechase Park" brand with a collection of 53 rides including three roller coasters.
In January 1968, NYC parks commissioner August Heckscher II suggested creating a state-funded open-space park on this location. The New York City Board of Estimate approved funding in May to purchase the land from Trump. Condemnation proceedings commenced in 1969 and eventually led to the city acquiring the site for $4 million with partial federal assistance. A stipulation required legislative approval at the state level for any future sale or lease of this parkland, effectively preventing Trump’s plans for apartment construction on the property.
1970s and early 1980s
Trump initiated legal action concerning proposed residential rezoning and eventually secured a $1.3 million court award. Following the city's acquisition of the property, Kaufman leased the location from the municipality in 1970. The city’s low leasing fees for the boardwalk and parking area resulted in a $1 million revenue deficit over a seven-year span. Attempting to establish a state park on Kaufman’s Steeplechase Park grounds, the city sought to remove him by denying lease renewals and ride operation permits. Despite these measures and a fatal incident in 1974, Kaufman kept the park running. A state court judge ruled in favor of eviction for the city in December 1974 but permitted Kaufman to continue operations through the 1975 season.
Although NYC Parks was tasked with planning the state park in 1969, no progress was made. Kaufman’s lease stipulated that eviction required a 30-day notice once a park plan was initiated. Due to municipal delays, HUD nearly rescinded a $2 million grant in 1975, which was ultimately accepted by the city. In early 1977, judicial decisions rejected eviction attempts and claims for back rent. By June of that year, the city’s parks commissioner suggested transforming Steeplechase into an amusement area rather than a state park and proposed returning the grant—a proposal opposed by the chairman of the NYC Planning Commission, who advocated for using funds to enhance pedestrian walkways.
Between 1977 and 1978, Kaufman withheld rent amidst ongoing litigation and filed a $1.7 million lawsuit against the city. By 1979, he had expanded his amusement offerings with plans to reconstruct historic Steeplechase Park and reacquire its original horse ride for reinstallation. Kaufman continued operations until summer 1980. In June 1981, the city compensated him with $1 million for rides—exceeding their appraised worth—and successfully evicted him from the premises.
Development as stadium
During the mid-1980s, restaurateur Horace Bullard proposed reviving Steeplechase Park. Having purchased several acres east of the original location—including the former Thunderbolt coaster site—he planned a $20 million investment to revitalize the neighborhood. Bullard envisioned developing a $55 million amusement park modeled after the original attraction and secured city approval in 1985. The park’s opening was scheduled for mid-1986 to align with the Statue of Liberty centennial celebration but faced delays due to environmental assessments and legislative approvals, which were completed only by mid-1986. By early 1987, projected costs had nearly doubled to $100 million. Final municipal approval arrived in 1989 with an updated budget of $250 million and an anticipated launch set for May 1992.
At the same time, in December 1986, the New York State Urban Development Corporation introduced plans for a $58 million minor-league baseball stadium with a capacity of 17,000 seats near Bullard’s site. State senator Thomas J. Bartosiewicz opposed Bullard’s amusement park proposal because of conflicting interests from Sportsplex, which held rights to build an amateur sports arena in that area. This conflict postponed construction for four years.
Following Rudy Giuliani’s election as New York mayor in 1994, he canceled Bullard’s amusement park project and authorized construction of a minor-league baseball stadium on the property. By 1998, Giuliani had abandoned both Sportsplex and Bullard’s initiatives, instead proposing development of only a parking lot. The minor league team established at this venue was named the Brooklyn Cyclones. Bullard’s plan to restore the Thunderbolt coaster was halted when Giuliani ordered its demolition over safety concerns.
In 2000, municipal approval was granted for the $31 million Keyspan Park (currently known as Maimonides Park), partially funded with resources from the canceled Sportsplex project. The stadium, seating 6,500 spectators, opened in 2001 alongside the Brooklyn Cyclones’ inaugural season.
Current status
A significant portion of the original Steeplechase Park location is currently occupied by Maimonides Park. The land beneath this park remains under the ownership of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, which continues to designate the area as "Steeplechase Park." Additionally, NYC Parks manages a public plaza situated on the boardwalk just south of Maimonides Park.
Development commenced in November 2011 on a site surrounding the Parachute Jump, which was named Steeplechase Plaza. The historic B&B Carousell, previously stored at the Brooklyn Army Terminal since 2005, was transferred to Steeplechase Plaza within Luna Park. This carousel reopened in 2013 near where the original Steeplechase Park once stood and was subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. Adjacent to the plaza is Thunderbolt, a steel roller coaster that debuted in 2014 on the site formerly occupied by the wooden Thunderbolt coaster.
The Parachute Jump remains the sole surviving structure from Steeplechase Park. Although demolition was considered during the mid-20th century, it remained operational until 1964 due to prohibitive dismantling expenses. It earned designation as a New York City designated landmark in 1977; however, this status was temporarily revoked because of structural safety issues. The Parachute Jump was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and had its landmark status restored in 1989.