Freedomland U.S.A. - The World's Largest Entertainment Center

Freedomland U.S.A. - The World's Largest Entertainment Center American history theme park in The Bronx 1960-1964 On June 19, 1960, America was introduced to a unique theme park.

Unlike those that came before it and certainly never duplicated since, Freedomland U.S.A. incorporated American history into family entertainment. In the northeast part of the New York City borough of The Bronx, Freedomland U.S.A. was billed as "the world’s largest entertainment center." On the first day, more than 60,000 people passed through its gates. They experienced cowboy shootouts, train robberies and space travel. All of it was situated on 85 acres carved into the shape of a map of the continental U.S.

This Freedomland postcard postmarked Los Angeles July 29, 1963 was used to convey non-park information to a contact in W...
09/15/2026

This Freedomland postcard postmarked Los Angeles July 29, 1963 was used to convey non-park information to a contact in Wisconsin.

The brass section of the Freedomland band passes the R.H. Macy store in Little Old New York. The storefront on the right...
09/15/2026

The brass section of the Freedomland band passes the R.H. Macy store in Little Old New York. The storefront on the right was the park's group sales office.

Bert Scholes Slide Collection, Sea Cliff Village Museum, September 9, 1962.

U.S. SemiquincentennialFreedomland U.S.A. / 250Preserve Our History! Learn Our History!Kip’s Bay And Murray Hill: On Sun...
09/15/2026

U.S. Semiquincentennial
Freedomland U.S.A. / 250
Preserve Our History! Learn Our History!

Kip’s Bay And Murray Hill: On Sunday, September 15, 1776, the British began the invasion of Manhattan by landing 4,000 British and German troops in 84 flatboats at Kips Bay near modern East 34th Street. The British quickly moved inland and occupied Murray Hill, where the generals stopped for "refreshment" at the Murray Mansion and farm at what is now East 37th Street and Park Avenue.

On the south side of the present street, at the center island, a granite stone and plaque mark the site of the Murray Mansion. The three-hour delay initiated by the patriotic Widow Murray and her attractive daughters saved a large portion of the Continental Army that was withdrawing from the city via the Bloomingdale Road (modern Broadway) on the west side of Manhattan.

British ships in the Hudson River created a diversion on the opposite side of Manhattan, unleashing a thunderous barrage on 450 green Connecticut militia deployed in a shallow trench. The troops broke under the onslaught and panic spread to nearby units.

General George Washington, four miles north in Harlem, quickly rode to the scene. He and General Israel Putnam unsuccessfully attempted to halt the stampede and rally the men behind stone walls. Washington angrily shouted at them and even struck some with the flat of his sword but could not stop the undisciplined retreat.

With Hessian troops only 80 yards away, Washington's aides led him to safety while Putnam frantically rode to save his command. Abandoning more than 50 cannons and other supplies, Putnam's men began a hurried retreat toward Harlem Heights during oppressive heat.

Drummer and bandleader Gene Krupa appeared on Freedomland’s Moon Bowl stage. Originally from Chicago, he resided in Yonk...
09/14/2026

Drummer and bandleader Gene Krupa appeared on Freedomland’s Moon Bowl stage. Originally from Chicago, he resided in Yonkers (10 Ritchie Drive) at the time.

Photo originally posted on Yonkers and Westchester in Pictures page by John Ladzinski.

We are in Satellite City during the debut 1960 season. The reflecting pool is in the foreground with a local sponsor, Ca...
09/14/2026

We are in Satellite City during the debut 1960 season. The reflecting pool is in the foreground with a local sponsor, Cabana Pools, showcasing its above ground pools for homeowners. Occasionally, a woman or a clown would frolic in the pool to the delight of crowds.

In the background, we can see the Moving Sidewalk (right) and the exhibit buildings (center). Photo courtesy Friendly Freedomlander Jeff Cahn. His father worked in the Glassblowers Shop from 1960 until 1962.

The Indian Village circa 1960-1962 as viewed from a bull boat of the Northwest Fur Trapper attraction. We don't know the...
09/14/2026

The Indian Village circa 1960-1962 as viewed from a bull boat of the Northwest Fur Trapper attraction. We don't know the post-Freedomland destination of the structure, totem poles or the Indian. Photo courtesy Friendly Freedomlander Jeff Cahn. His father worked in the Glassblowers Shop from 1960 until 1962.

Our thanks to the Greater Patchogue Historical Society for welcoming us this past Thursday. Everyone enjoyed the trip ba...
09/13/2026

Our thanks to the Greater Patchogue Historical Society for welcoming us this past Thursday. Everyone enjoyed the trip back in time to Freedomland.

Kudos to the organization for creating a fabulous museum of local history. Stop by if you are in the area — lower level of the Carnegie library at the corner of West Main Street and West Avenue.

Boot Hill Cemetery was featured on the Northwest Fur Trapper boat attraction in Freedomland’s San Francisco themed secti...
09/13/2026

Boot Hill Cemetery was featured on the Northwest Fur Trapper boat attraction in Freedomland’s San Francisco themed section. This is a 1961 photo.

After Freedomland closed, the giant boots were taken north and for years were part of the western cemetery at Storytown USA in Lake George. These boots no longer exist.

Seven of the stars on the June 1959 cover of “TV and Movie Screen” magazine had Freedomland in their futures. The stars ...
09/13/2026

Seven of the stars on the June 1959 cover of “TV and Movie Screen” magazine had Freedomland in their futures.

The stars are Hugh O’Brian, Rick Nelson, Carol Lynley, Sandra Dee, the Lennon Sisters (three of the four).

Actress Carol Lynley (“Return to Peyton Place," "Under the Yum Yum Tree" and "The Poseidon Adventure") has a significant...
09/12/2026

Actress Carol Lynley (“Return to Peyton Place," "Under the Yum Yum Tree" and "The Poseidon Adventure") has a significant connection to Freedomland. She welcomed the park's one-millionth guest during the 1960 season.

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(516) 885-3875

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