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Millions of amusement park lovers and thrill-seekers flock to Six Flags each year to experience its world-class coasters, exciting rides, and waterparks. When founder Angus G. Wynne, Jr. first conceived the idea of an easily accessible, affordable form of family entertainment in the late 1950s, he had no idea it would evolve into the world’s largest regional theme park company.
And it all started right here in Texas.
An American businessman and Lonestar State native, Wynne was inspired by a visit to Disneyland in Anaheim, California to construct a more conveniently located amusement park. Backed by Wynne’s Great Southwest Corporation alongside various New York investors, the $10 million project broke ground in Arlington in August, 1960 and celebrated a grand opening the following year.
On Aug. 5, Six Flags Over Texas will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Following a year marred by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 season started off strong with a new Fire & Ice Winter Festival in January followed by ¡Viva la Fiesta! that debuted at the end of April. The Best of Texas Festival will continue to run through Aug. 8, and Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park will follow.
“We really wanted to come up with a variety of ways to celebrate our 60th anniversary all year long, and we’ve always wanted to do a season of festivals” Park President at Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor Arlington Ron McKenzie says.
Best of Texas is currently in full swing, showcasing the state’s dense cowboy culture with food and entertainment, but the park will shift its focus to the actual anniversary day during the final week of the festival by unveiling new shows and bringing back the beloved Pink Thing, a pink dessert that’s become a staple at the park. Straddling a fine line between staying fresh and paying tribute to the past, the park is reopening some of its early innovations that haven’t operated in years, including one of its log flume channels and Casa Magnetica.
“Our guests, especially those who grew up coming to this park as kids and are now bringing their kids, have told us how much they enjoy all of the special tributes we’re doing,” McKenzie says. “We’re going for a good blend between the old and the new.”
Six Flags Over Texas made waves when it opened by introducing an array of industry firsts. For starters, Wynne’s park pioneered an all-inclusive admission price model at a time when separate entrance fees and individual ride tickets were standard. Park passes for its inaugural season were a slim $2.75 for adults and $2.25 for children. Later on, the park would lead the way with roller coaster technology, introducing the first full-circuit looping roller coaster and mine train ride.
Six Flags started as a way for Wynne and his team to raise funds for a massive industrial park they were hoping to develop in the same area. The amusement park wasn’t projected to surpass its inaugural 45-day season, but the success of opening day told a different story.
Wynne adopted elements from other amusement parks, but Six Flags Over Texas stood out for its regional roots that integrated Texas history into its overarching theme. History has it that Wynne intended to name his park “Texas under Six Flags,” but his wife was adamant that Texas wasn’t under anything.
The name was derived from the six nations that claimed sovereignty of the state at various points throughout its history — Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States of America, and the Confederate States of America. When the park first opened, each flag flew over its own themed area. Six Flags has since combined and added sections to achieve a total of ten themed areas today.
When developing attractions, Wynne wanted to give guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in a healthy dose of Texas history by featuring the appropriate landscaping, entertainment, and food from each region represented. Many attractions have come and gone over the years, yet only one from the inaugural season remains operational — the heritage railroad.
Since opening, Six Flags Over Texas has adopted the self-proclaimed title of “The Thrill Capital of Texas,” continuing to introduce new attractions for thrill-seekers of every age, from Bugs Bunny Boomtown to Aquaman Powerwave that is expected to open next summer. The company has since expanded, and it now operates 18 theme parks across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, but it all began in the great state of Texas.
“The park and the company have really had a metamorphosis since 1961,” McKenzie says. “We’re excited about our season but also about everything happening around here. We’re excited to be a part of that growth now and into the future.”
For information on upcoming events, visit sixflags.com/overtexas.
