Great America

Marriott planned three parks, the largest destined for the Washington, DC area. It was not to be, however, and the story behind that is a long tale of frustration, denial, and ill-will. But the other two nearly identical properties would open in 1976, living on to this day under different owners. So in case you’re wondering why Six Flags and Cedar Fair both own parks called “Great America,” this is where they came from. The map sections below are from the California park’s opening season.

Great America’s entrance was grand with the reflecting pool and majestic, double-decker carousel. In spite of the many changes over the years, these remain as testament to the amazing work of Randall Duell and his team.

Great America’s entrance was grand with the reflecting pool and majestic, double-decker carousel. In spite of the many changes over the years, these remain as testament to the amazing work of Randall Duell and his team.

First land to the right beyond the train tracks was Home Town Square, featuring the Whizzer coaster and the trolley, which wound its way over to Orleans Place.

First land to the right beyond the train tracks was Home Town Square, featuring the Whizzer coaster and the trolley, which wound its way over to Orleans Place.

Next is Midwest County Fair with the gigantic Intamin Sky Whirl, Arrow Turn of the Century looper, and the triple track Barney Oldfield Speedway auto ride.

Next is Midwest County Fair with the gigantic Intamin Sky Whirl, Arrow Turn of the Century looper, and the triple track Barney Oldfield Speedway auto ride.

Here’s the rest of the fair, including the Eagle Flight skyride and train station.

Here’s the rest of the fair, including the Eagle Flight skyride and train station.

Working out way back down the left side of the park is Yukon Territory, based on the great Northwest area with logging and frontier-themed design.

Working out way back down the left side of the park is Yukon Territory, based on the great Northwest area with logging and frontier-themed design.

New England is represented in Yankee Harbor with lots of water and nautical-themed architecture. The twin flume had one station in Yukon Territory, the other here in Yankee Harbor. The boats were also designed differently for each side.

New England is represented in Yankee Harbor with lots of water and nautical-themed architecture. The twin flume had one station in Yukon Territory, the other here in Yankee Harbor. The boats were also designed differently for each side.

The final land is Orleans Place. The other end of the trolley line was here along with another sky ride station.

The final land is Orleans Place. The other end of the trolley line was here along with another sky ride station.