When Was the Roller Coaster Invented?

From Russian Ice Slides to Modern Coasters

• 18th Century: Russian "ice mountains"—wooden slides covered in ice—were early gravity‑driven thrills.
• 1817: The first wheeled coaster, Les Montagnes Russes à Belleville, opened in Paris.
• 1884: La Marcus A. Thompson's Scenic Railway at Coney Island, New York, is considered the first modern roller coaster—a gravity‑powered switchback railway.

Since then, coaster technology has evolved from wooden tracks to steel, launched systems, and immersive themed experiences.