Steeplechase Park was established in 1897 by George C. Tilyou. The park started with a lone Ferris Wheel, which Tilyou modeled on the original Ferris Wheel at the World’s Columbian Exposition. Tilyou continued to add attractions and rides, including a mechanical horse race for which the park was named. The park burned to the ground in 1907. Tilyou charged ten cents to see he ruins. Despite the setback, Tilyou rebuilt. Even through numerous accidents, the park stayed open until 1964.

	Luna Park was opened in 1903 by Frederick Thompson and Elmer Dundy. Their first attraction was “A Trip to the Moon” -- a ride first featured at Steeplechase Park. After one season in Steeplechase, the owners obtained a lease of Sea Lion Park and rebuilt it as Luna Park. Luna Park was known for fancy use of lights on the exterior of buildings.

Dreamland Park was created in 1904 by Tammany Hall. It was planned to cater primarily wealthier amusement-seekers. It had elegant architecture and buildings. Like Luna Park, it contained endless lights on the exterior of buildings. It was known primarily for a railway through the Swiss Alpine landscape, and a “Lilliputian Village” containing 300 dwarf inhabitants. In 1911, a terrible electrical fire broke out in the park. The park was burnt to the ground and abandoned.