Fun Facts and Quick History of Six Flags Over Texas

You may visit Six Flags Over Texas every summer and FrightFest, but do you know the history and fun facts about this iconic Texas destination? What began with a $10 million investment (about $105 million in today's dollars) has become a cornerstone of Texas culture and entertainment history. Six Flags Over Texas didn't just create a successful theme park—it pioneered concepts and innovations that transformed the entire amusement park industry worldwide.

The original Six Flags Over Texas opened on August 5, 1961, right here in Arlington, Texas, after a year of construction and an initial investment by real estate developer Angus G. Wynne Jr. What started as Arlington mayor Tom Vandergriff and entrepreneur Angus Wynne Jr.'s vision for a "Disneyland-inspired, deluxe-but-affordable" family destination has grown into the world's largest amusement park company with locations across North America and overseas. Interestingly, Wynne originally intended the park as a temporary "placeholder" project that would eventually become an industrial complex—a plan that was quickly abandoned as the park's popularity soared!

World-Famous Firsts and Records

Six Flags Over Texas holds several impressive world records and firsts in amusement park history:

• World's First Log Flume: El Aserradero (meaning "The Sawmill") was introduced in 1963 as the world's first log flume ride and became such a hit that the park had to add a second flume in 1968 to handle the crowds.

• Pricing Pioneer: Six Flags was one of the first theme parks to offer all-inclusive pricing, letting guests pay one price for unlimited rides—a revolutionary concept at the time.
• Broadway-Style Entertainment: The park was also among the first to feature Broadway-styled live shows as part of the theme park experience.

The Story Behind the Name

The park's name refers to the six different nations that have governed Texas throughout history since the 1600s. Originally, the park was divided into six themed areas representing these unique eras of Texas history, with a strong focus on the state's Hispanic and Old West heritage.

Famous Faces Who Got Their Start Here

Keep an eye on those park performers—you might be watching future stars! Celebrity Six Flags alumni include Grammy winner and American Idol Kelly Clarkson, Broadway legend Betty Buckley, singer-songwriter John Denver, and bestselling novelist Sandra Brown.

The Mysterious Pink Thing

One of Six Flags' quirkiest traditions is the now retired "Pink Thing"—a frozen treat on a stick that debuted in the 1960s as "Pink Buried Treasure." The original version contained a small figurine charm hidden in the plastic stick, which was revealed as you finished the treat. These leftover figurines became coveted collectibles among Six Flags enthusiasts.

Ghostly Residents

Local legend claims that Six Flags is home to several friendly ghosts, most notably "Annie"—the spirit of a late 19th-century Arlington girl. According to park lore, Annie likes to hang around the Texas Giant, railway tracks, and music venues, where she's been known to unlock doors, pull curtains, and play with the lights. Have you spotted her during your visit? 

By the Numbers

Opening Day (1961):

Today: