Rock Island in Rock Island County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Figure Eight Roller Coaster and Balloon Ascension Tower

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 9, 2022

1. Figure Eight Roller Coaster and Balloon Ascension Tower Marker

Inscription. [Left] The Figure Eight Roller Coaster was built in 1905. It was the first roller coaster west of Chicago and the only one with four loops. Cars were pulled up the track to a dizzying height of sixty feet and then raced another 1,000 feet around four loops back to the beginning. Rides cost a nickel. In 1915 the Figure Eight was replaced by a new roller coaster, The Royal Giant Dip Coaster.

[Right] Crowds packed the amusement park when a balloon ascension act came to town. The balloon was placed atop the tower and inflated with hot air. The aerialist grabbed the rope that hung down below the balloon. The balloon was cut loose and rose over 1,000 feet. As the balloon began to descend, the aerialist let go of the rope and parachuted to the ground, much to the crowd's delight.

Erected by Black Hawk State Historic Site.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 41° 27.87′ N, 90° 34.29′ W. Marker is on Rock Island, Illinois, in Rock Island County. Marker can be reached from 46th Avenue (Illinois Route 3) 0.3 miles east of 15th Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is in the

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parking lot of the Hauberg Indian Museum in Black Hawk State Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1510 46th Ave, Rock Island IL 61201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Black Hawk Inns (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); To the Memory of La Main Cassee "The Broken Hand," a Fearless Sauk Chief (about 300 feet away); Black Hawk: Saux Warrior (about 400 feet away); Illinois in the American Revolution (about 500 feet away); Soldiers and Sailors Monument (approx. 1.3 miles away); Chippiannock Cemetery (approx. 1.3 miles away); Lincoln and the Black Hawk War (approx. 1½ miles away); Robert Wagner House (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rock Island.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 9, 2022

2. Figure Eight Roller Coaster and Balloon Ascension Tower Marker

The Figure Eight Roller Coaster image. Click for full size.

Unknown via Retro Quad Cities, 1905

3. The Figure Eight Roller Coaster

The roller coaster, located in Watch Tower Amusement Park, carried riders on its 1,900-foot track in 57 seconds.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 122 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.