Marshall Hall (amusement park) facts for kids
Marshall Hall entry gate
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| Location | Marshall Hall, Maryland, USA |
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| Opened | 1920's |
| Closed | 1980 |
Marshall Hall was a fun amusement park located in Marshall Hall, Maryland. It was right across the Potomac River from Mount Vernon, Virginia, which was the home of George Washington. This park was a popular spot for people from Washington, DC to visit. Many visitors would arrive by special boat trips, making the journey part of the adventure!
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A Fun Place to Visit
The Marshall Hall amusement park first opened its doors in the early 1920s. Back then, it was a smaller park with a simple wooden roller coaster. Over the years, it grew into a beloved place where families and friends could enjoy rides and spend sunny days. It was known for its lively atmosphere and being a great escape from city life.
The Roller Coaster Ride
In 1950, a much bigger and more exciting wooden roller coaster was built at Marshall Hall. This new coaster became a main attraction, thrilling park-goers with its drops and turns. Imagine the screams and laughter as people rode this classic wooden coaster! It was a highlight for many who visited the park.
The Park's End
Sadly, the fun at Marshall Hall began to come to an end in the late 1970s. In July 1977, a very strong storm with tornado-like winds hit the park. These powerful winds caused a lot of damage, including destroying the big wooden roller coaster. This event was a major setback for the park.
Marshall Hall continued to operate for a few more years, but it was never quite the same. The park officially closed its gates for good in 1980.
What's Left Today
Most of the old park buildings are gone now. A large brick stable and a carriage house that used to be on the property were taken down to make space for a picnic area. Today, all that remains standing is the shell of the original colonial home of the Marshall family, which the area is named after. It's a quiet reminder of where a lively amusement park once stood.
Images for kids
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The lively midway at Marshall Hall.
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The big roller coaster (1950-1977).
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The "Laff in the Dark" ride.
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The "Flying Coaster" ride.
