Step into the Whimsical World of Coney Island in the 1890s Through Dazzling Photos

Coney Island, situated at the southern tip of Brooklyn, this world-renowned destination was the epitome of leisure and entertainment in the 1890s. With the advent of electric lighting, the development of leisure activities, and innovations in mass transit, Coney Island transformed into the “People’s Playground,” drawing visitors from all walks of life.

The Birth of Amusement Parks

The late 19th century was a golden era for Coney Island, witnessing the birth of its iconic amusement parks—Sea Lion Park in 1895, followed by Steeplechase Park in 1897, and Luna Park in 1903. Sea Lion Park was the first enclosed amusement park in the United States, featuring rides and attractions like the “Shoot-the-Chutes,” a predecessor to the modern-day water slide. Designed by Paul Boyton, who was inspired by the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, the park set the stage for the future of amusement parks across the nation. For a dime, visitors could experience a wonderland of fun and excitement, safely away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Invention of the Hot Dog

It’s hard to imagine Coney Island without thinking of the classic American fare—the hot dog. While its exact origins are disputed, it’s widely believed that Charles Feltman, a German immigrant, was the first to sell frankfurters in rolls at his Coney Island stand in 1867. By the 1890s, Feltman’s Ocean Pavilion became an empire, serving thousands of these delectable treats daily. To many New Yorkers, this popular snack is more than just food; it’s a symbol of the city’s cultural melting pot.

Mass Transit and Accessibility

One of the critical factors contributing to Coney Island’s allure was the development of mass transit. In 1884, the Coney Island Elephant Hotel was built near Surf Avenue and West 12th Street, and it served as both a hotel and a tourist attraction. This massive wooden elephant also served as a landmark for boats that shuttled visitors to and from Manhattan. In the 1890s, the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company (BRT) began offering direct train service to Coney Island, making the destination easily accessible. The affordable five-cent fare democratized leisure, ensuring that Coney Island was not a luxury but a right for every New Yorker.

#1 Manhattan Beach Estates with Hotels and Railway, 1895

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#2 Beachgoers at Coney Island, 1896

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#3 Parade at Luna Park, Coney Island, 1890

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#4 Luna Park Illuminated for ‘Human Dynamo’ Attraction

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#5 Entrance to Luna Park, Coney Island

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#6 Crowds Enjoying the Beach at Coney Island, Circa 1890

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#7 Coney Island in the 1890s

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#8 Salvator Defeats Tenny in Sheepshead Bay Race, 1890

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#9 Crowds at Staten Island Ferry Entrance, 1895

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#10 Coney Island Beach on a Sunday, 1895

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#11 Steeplechase Tower in Coney Island, 1895

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#12 Beach and Bathing Pavilion at Coney Island, 1895

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#13 Brighton Beach Park and Bathing Pavilion, 1895

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#14 Oriental Hotel at Manhattan Beach Estates, 1895

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#15 Aerial View of Seaside Park with Riccadonna Hotel, 1895

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#16 Dreamland and Balmer’s Bathing Pavilion from Above, 1895

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#17 Sea Beach Palace and Ferris Wheels in Coney Island, 1895

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#18 Young Family Watches Man on Camel at Coney Island, 1896

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#19 Algerian Theatre Ticket Booth at Coney Island, 1896

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#20 Crowd Outside Turkish Harem Sideshow at Coney Island, 1896

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#21 Fun Seekers at Funicular Railway in Coney Island, 1896

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#22 End of Water Chute Ride at Coney Island, 1896

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#23 Boardwalk Strollers Along Surf Boulevard, 1896

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#24 Mother and Child on Coney Island Beach, 1896

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#25 Uniformed Cyclists in Coney Island Parade, 1896

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#26 Families Picnicking on Coney Island Beach, 1896

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#27 Overcrowded Cable Car en Route to Brighton Beach, 1897

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#28 Pedestrians Amid Advertising in Coney Island, 1897

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#29 ‘Streets of Cairo’ Attraction with Camel at Coney Island, 1897

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#30 Holiday-Makers Window Shopping at Coney Island Boardwalk, 1897

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#31 People on Beach and in Boat at Coney Island, 1898

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#32 Coney Island or Bust!, 1899

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#33 Film Crew at Coney Island Clubhouse

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#34 Corner of W 10th Street and Surf Avenue, Late 1890s

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#35 Same Corner as Previous, Showing Ziz Roller Coaster, Late 1890s

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#36 BRT Railway Depot and Potter’s Candy House, Late 1890s

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#37 Riccadonna Hotel on Ocean Parkway, Late 1890s

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#38 Parkway Baths in Coney Island, Late 1890s

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#39 Zoo Entrance in Coney Island, Late 1890s

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#40 Albemarle Hotel in Coney Island, Late 1890s

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#41 Coney Island View, Steeplechase Park’s Influence, 1903

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#42 Elephant Slide Ride at Steeplechase Park, 1900

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#43 Coney Island Bike Path Opening Celebration, 1896

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#44 Circus Rings Featured at Luna Park, 1900

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#45 Scenic Capture of Coney Island in Gelatin Dry Glass Plate, 1897

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#46 Observation Tower at Steeplechase Park, 1901

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#47 Tubercular Child at Sea Breeze Hospital, 1900-1920

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#48 Historic Ocean Parkway Bike Path Still in Use, 1896

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