Kennywood's development began in 1898. The Monongahela Street Railway Company leased land from Anthony Kenny to build the park. The company built a trolley park. Andrew Mellon chose the name, Kennywood for the park. During the summer and fall of 1898 a house to hold a merry-go-round and a restaurant began construction.
The above picture is a rustic bridge that was at Kennywood in the 1900s.
More attractions were soon added to the growing Kennywood park. In 1901, the park built the Old Mill. The Old Mill was advertised as "a six minute ride on water that was cool and comfortable."
This is a picture of the Old Mill, located in a wooded section of the park.
In the 1920's Kennywood entered its golden age, it almost doubled in size. In the 1920's the park added three wooded coasters, including the Jack Rabbit, the Pippen, and the Racer. In 1924 the first Kiddieland was also built.
This is a picture of the park's first racing coaster.
In 1925 Kennywood built a large swimming pool, which was designed by the Lynch Brothers. The pool cost $150,000 and took 2,250,000 gallons of water. There was a colonial style pavilion and a grandstand, which was built over a dressing room. A 25 foot wide, sand beach surrounded the pool on three sides.
This is a picture of the swimming pool that used to be at Kennywood.
In the 1920's the park purchased many new rides including a Caterpillar, Laff-in-the-Dark, and Autorace. In 1927 Kennywood bought a giant, four-row carousel.
This is a picture of the Tumble Bug.
During WWII, Kennywood experienced rough times. They had shortages on sugar, tires, gasoline, and anything made of metal. During this time, Kennywood was only able to buy a used Ferris Wheel.
This is a picture of the Ferris Wheel bought during WWII.
Kennywood had one of the largest Kiddielands in the country in 1947. The rides included a miniature whip, a carousel, a kiddie autoride, roto whip, tickler, ferris wheel, and many others. Kiddieland's entrance was also rebuilt in 1947.
This is a picture of Kiddieland's entrance in 1947.
Kennywood had its first parade in 1950. The park had a Fall Fantasy parade to try and make more money, because they had a very low season. The Fall Fantasy parade became a Kennywood tradition.
This is a picture of the Fall Fantasy Parade in 1953.
The Laser Loop was built in 1980. The Loop changed the skyline of the park. Kennywood built the Laser Loop to keep up with other parks in the east. The Laser Loop reached a speed of 54 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds. The Loop's highest point was 139 feet. The Loop is no longer in Kennywood.
This is a picture of the Laser Loop.
The Steel Phantom opened May 10, 1991. The park's 4.5 million dollar coaster offered thrills and excitement. The name, Steel Phantom, was chosen by employees of the park. At one time the Steel Phantom was the fastest and highest roller coaster in the world. The Steel Phantom was closed in 2000 to make room for the Phantom's Revenge.
This is a picture of the Steel Phantom.