Eldorado Amusement Park facts for kids
Eldorado Amusement Park was a fun park that opened in 1891. It was located in the Highwood Park area of Weehawken, New Jersey. The park covered about 25 acres (10.12 hectares). It operated as an amusement park until 1894. After that, its main building, called the Casino, was used for boxing matches, sports events, and live shows. A huge fire on November 4, 1898, completely destroyed the building.
Starting the Park
Eldorado Amusement Park was created by important local leaders and business people. They formed a company called the Palisades Amusement and Exhibition Company. Bolossy Kiralfy, a famous show producer, was named the park's General Manager. One of the main people behind the company was Hillric J. Bonn. He was known for building street railways and owned a lot of land in Hudson County, New Jersey.
The Palisades Amusement And Exhibition Company also helped publish the program for a show called Egypt Through Centuries in 1892.
Exciting Shows and Attractions
In 1891, the park's large outdoor theater, called an amphitheater, opened with Kiralfy's show, King Solomon's Mine. In 1892, Augusto Francioli's show, Egypt Through Centuries, was featured. This show depicted scenes from ancient Egyptian history. Kiralfy's King Solomon show was also performed again in 1893.
The park proudly announced itself as "the most beautiful amusement resort in the world." Its amphitheater was said to hold between 12,000 and 15,000 people!
Where the Park Was
The park was also home to "The Castle," which was the art studio of a sculptor named Karl Bitter until 1898. Today, houses and businesses stand where Eldorado Amusement Park once was.
