Six Flags Over Georgia opened its doors to the public on June 16, 1967. It is actually in the city of Austell, Ga, just west of Atlanta and  was the second park in the Six Flags chain after the original Six Flags Over Texas 1961 opening. This made Six Flags the first theme park operator in the United States to operate parks in multiple locations.

In the 58 years since its opening a lot has changed, but a few things have stayed the same. The Dahlonega Mine Train was an opening day attraction as were the Hanson Cars, Monster Mansion and the railroad. The Mine Train and the railroad probably the closest to its original self having the wood supports become mostly ornamental rather than structural and the train changing from steam to diesel in the mid-2000’s. The Hanson cars are still around, but were originally in the place now occupied by Twisted Cyclone before being moved by the carousel back in 1990. The Log Jamboree was also an opening day attraction, but “flume #1” opened in 1967 with parallel “flume #2” opening in 1968 and it’s actually flume #2 still running today.

Monster Mansion is also an opening day attraction, but it’s undergone renovations and name changes. It was formerly known as Tales Of The Okefenokee (1967–1980) and Monster Plantation (1981–2008) with lots of history, politics and even Splash Mountain at Disney all connected to this ride. All these twists and turns are probably worthy of a post of their own someday. It’s the park’s first “dark ride” and also a source of original characters for meet and greets and some cool merchandise for the park.

Six Flags appears ready for growth and development with the recent merger with Cedar Fair. They recently paid $332.6 million to buy of 100% of the park from the former majority owners (Six Flags managed the parks, but only owned 31.5% while 68.5% were owned by a local investment group). You don’t spend $300+ million you don’t have to unless you have some serious long term plans. This and the investments in last minute theme changes on the Georgia Gold Rusher (GGR) along with comments from new management about the Atlanta all point to a bright future for the park. It’s interesting too that the park’s newest coaster in GGR is right next to its oldest in Dahlonega Mine Train.

Happy Birthday Six Flags Over Georgia, here’s to another great 58 years at Six Flags Over Georgia!