|
| 1879 |
Austin Corbin goes on record with his intentions to ban Jews from his resort. Popular opinion runs against him, and his efforts fail. |
| 1882 |
The Elephant Hotel opens at Coney Island. It becomes associated with prostitution, which prompts the local expression, "seeing the elephant."
Peter and George C. Tilyou open Surf Theater, Coney Island's first theater, on an alley later named the Bowery. |
| 1884 |
La Marcus Thompson builds the Switchback Railway, arguably the first roller coaster in America, at Coney Island. |
| 1893 |
 The Columbian Exposition is held in Chicago. |
| 1894 |
John Y. McKane is sentenced to six years hard labor at Sing Sing prison. |
| 1895 |
Captain Paul Boyton opens Sea-Lion Park, the first enclosed amusement park at Coney Island.
George C. Tilyou opens Steeplechase Park at Coney Island, and introduces the "Steeplechase Horses" ride there. |
| 1902 |
Frederic Thompson and Elmer "Skip" Dundy bring their "Trip to the Moon" ride to Steeplechase Park and operate it there for a season. |
| 1903 |
 Frederic Thompson and Skip Dundy open Luna Park. |
| 1904 |
Senator William Reynolds and a group of local speculators open Dreamland. |
| 1907 |
Steeplechase Park burns to the ground. Efforts are immediately made to rebuild it.
Elmer "Skip" Dundy dies |
| 1908-1909 |
Samuel Gumpertz becomes general manager of Dreamland. |
| 1911 |
 Dreamland burns. The Dreamland Circus Sideshow, run by Samuel Gumpertz, opens while ruins are still smoking. |
