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Roller coaster ad
Poster advertising the opening of “Montagnes Russes” (Russian Mountains), c. 1882–88; in the collection of the Musée Carnavalet, Paris.
Where Was the First Roller Coaster Invented?
Learn about the history of roller coasters.
The first roller coaster was invented in Russia. Roller coasters have their origins in a form of ice sledding that became popular in Russia in the 15th century. An adaptation opened in 1784 in St. Petersburg that included carriages on grooved tracks. Further adaptations were made in the 19th century in France and in the United States that led to the roller coasters we know today.