Discover

When the NCAA permitted colleges to pay stipends to student-athletes, the colleges also raised their estimated expenses

Jackie Robinson was a radical – don’t listen to the sanitized version of history

How baseball’s first commissioner led a conspiracy of silence to preserve baseball’s color line

A brief history of African nations at the Olympic Winter Games

The ‘hot hand’ is a real basketball phenomenon

How African-Americans disappeared from the Kentucky Derby

9 Architectural Landmarks in Buenos Aires

No justifications, excuses or box-ticking: the art of a successful celebrity apology

Sinking of the Titanic

The 500 million-year-old relative of starfish that lost its skeleton

Why Does Hair Turn Gray?

Is There a Cure for HIV Infection?

Where Was the First Roller Coaster Invented?

The first roller coaster, known as the "Russian Mountain," originated in 17th-century Russia, featuring wooden tracks and sled-like cars. Fast forward to modern times, the nickname "The Big Apple" for New York City emerged in the 1920s, symbolizing the city's vibrant jazz scene and cultural significance. Similarly, other famous cities have unique nicknames rooted in their history or characteristics, such as "Windy City" for Chicago and "City of Angels" for Los Angeles, each reflecting their distinct identity and appeal.

The Origins of the Roller Coaster The first roller coaster was invented in Russia during the 17th century. Known as "Russian Mountains," these early thrill rides were constructed from wooden structures and icy slopes. They became popular winter attractions around the area of Saint Petersburg. These primitive roller coasters were made by building wooden ramps covered with ice, allowing sleds to race down the slopes at exhilarating speeds. This concept of a gravity-driven ride laid the foundation for what would eventually evolve into the modern roller coaster that we know today. The idea gained popularity and spread to other parts of Europe, notably France, where the rides were adapted for warmer climates by using waxed wooden slides instead of ice. This innovation marked the beginning of the global roller coaster phenomenon, ultimately leading to the diverse and thrilling rides found in amusement parks across the world.