Six Flags Over Mid-America

Pictorial poster for Six Flags Over Mid-America, now known as Six Flags St. Louis.

The 1970’s experienced a surge in high octane thrill rides, and the Six Flags Company was well poised to capitalize on the trend. The first park, Six Flags Over Texas, was opened in 1961, and additional locations in Georgia and Missouri began operations in 1967 and 1971, respectively. All three followed the same theme as the original – six sections approximating the former governing bodies of the states.

Missouri pride was extra robust the year before publication of this map, when the Screaming Eagle roller coaster was constructed to celebrate America’s bicentennial. At the time it was built, the coaster was the tallest (110 ft), fastest (62 mph), and longest (3,872 ft) in the world. It was also notable for being the last roller coaster designed by John Allen, a renowned engineer famous for overseeing construction of over 25 rides – 13 of which are still in operation today!