Electric Park, Baltimore facts for kids
Electric Park was a fun amusement park in Baltimore, Maryland. It was about 24 acres in size. This park was a "trolley park," meaning it was easy to get to by trolley (like an old-fashioned streetcar). It first opened in 1896 and closed in 1915. The park was taken down in 1916.
What made Electric Park special were the thousands of bright light bulbs that lit up the park at night. It was free to enter! The park was also the first place in Maryland to show motion pictures to the public in 1896. This helped make the park very popular. In 1900, it even hosted Maryland's first car race on its old racetrack.
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Electric Park: A Fun Place in Old Baltimore
Electric Park was a popular spot for families and friends in Baltimore. It started as a place for harness racing, where horses pull a two-wheeled cart. But soon, it became a full amusement park. People loved coming to see the park lit up at night. It was a very exciting place for its time.
Exciting Attractions and Shows
Over the years, Electric Park added many cool rides and shows.
- A fun carousel was added in 1900 and was an instant hit.
- There was a casino restaurant where people could eat.
- Visitors could experience a simulation of the Johnstown Flood, a famous disaster.
- Thrilling rides included a "shoot-the-chutes" water ride.
- Other unique rides were the "Human Laundry" and the "Human Roulette Wheel".
- The park also had two exciting roller coasters.
- You could enjoy boating on the water.
- There were live vaudeville acts and band concerts.
Special Events and Stunts
Electric Park was known for its special events and performances.
- "Professor Pain" put on amazing fireworks shows regularly.
- Bill Pawnee's Wild West Show performed there. Once, a lion even escaped during a show!
- A band led by Signor Vincent Del Manto played music, including the "Electric Park March."
- In 1908, a dirigible (a type of airship) flown by Lincoln Beachy launched from the park. It was a big publicity stunt and landed on a building downtown!
Why Did Electric Park Close?
Electric Park was very popular for many years. But as time went on, more amusement parks opened. This meant more competition for visitors. Also, the costs to insure and maintain the park became very high. Because of these reasons, Electric Park had to close at the end of the 1915 season. The park was completely taken down the next year. Today, there is no trace of Electric Park left.
