From single rails to virtual reality, roller coasters have been thrilling people for centuries. Their origins can be traced back to 17th-century Russia, where wooden slides—"Russian Mountains"—provided seasonal entertainment. The first roller coaster was built in early 19th-century Paris, France. Called "Les Montagnes Russes à Belleville," it featured wheeled carts securely attached to tracks. By the 1900s, coasters were looping the loop for the first time.
International Roller Coaster Day
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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The National Museum of the American Indian
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The aftermath of a meteorite
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Wanderin Wawayanda
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Yellow-eyed penguins, Moeraki, New Zealand
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A story of wind and ice
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A little bit of Wonderland in New York City
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Elephant Rock, Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia
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Gray days ahead in Monterey
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Surfer s paradise
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Jaguar in the Pantanal wetlands
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Great horned owl fledglings
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A bull, some flowers, and a stratovolcano
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Aerial view of Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain
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Taiwan yuhinas in Alishan National Scenic Area
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Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument anniversary
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Flag Day
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Back to the nest
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Happy trails for the 21st century
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Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain
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Spring equinox
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Château de Sully-sur-Loire, Center-Val de Loire, France
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The last thing seen by Wile E. Coyote
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Llama Day
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Grizzly bears in Alaska for National Wildlife Day
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Prayer flags in Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
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It’s Canada’s national day
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The mighty, mighty mushroom
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The Roaches ridge in the Peak District, England
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Let s get lost
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Songkran—Thai New Year