Cyclone is a historic roller coaster at Coney Island, recognized by American Coaster Enthusiasts as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark. Built to meet demand for new rides, it was commissioned by businessmen Jack and Irving Rosenthal, designed by Vernon Keenan, and constructed by Harry C. Baker near the former site of America's first coaster, the 1884 L. A. Thompson Switchback Railway. Opened on June 26, 1927, the 2,640-foot-long, 85-foot-high ride was later described by Charles Lindbergh as more thrilling than flying. Remodeled in 1937 by Christopher Feucht, the wood and steel twister was saved from demolition in 1974 by Astroland founder Dewey Albert. It has since been duplicated around the world and has served as a backdrop for motion pictures, weddings, and world-record riding marathons. Having endured storms, rival competition, and the Great Depression, the Brooklyn institution remains one of the last Golden Age roller coasters. It became a New York City Landmark in 1988 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, and it is acclaimed internationally as one of the most famous roller coasters in the world.
