West Mifflin in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Thunderbolt
National Historic District
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 24, 2024
1. Thunderbolt Marker
The Thunderbolt opened in 1968 as a renovation to the Pippin, a John Miller coaster from 1924. The park's in-house teams, led by Andy Vettel Sr., added the lift hill and helix turns during the 1968 renovation. The Pippin's ravine drops and century flyer trains remain today. The Thunderbolt was named the "King of Coasters" in the New York Times in 1974.
Erected by Kennywood Amusement Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1968.
Location. 40° 23.318′ N, 79° 51.884′ W. Marker is in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County. It can be reached from the intersection of Kennywood Boulevard (Pennsylvania Route 837) and Hoffman Boulevard, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located in Kennywood Amusement Park. Admission fee is required for entry. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin PA 15122, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Pittsburgh. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Ohio River Valley, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Thunderbolt (here, next to this marker); The Lucky Stand (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Turtle (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Noah's Ark (about 300 feet
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Thunderbolt (has been reported to have been replaced with this marker); The Turtle (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); Noah's Ark (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); Miniature Railroad (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed); The Pagoda (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed); Laffin' Sal (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Auto Race (was about 300 feet away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced another at this location.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 24, 2024
2. Thunderbolt Marker
Marker is located at the lower left.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 28, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
