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From single rails to virtual reality experiences, roller coasters have been thrilling people for centuries. Today, International Roller Coaster Day, is the perfect excuse to dive into the twists and turns of these iconic attractions. The origins of these rides can be traced back to 17th-century Russia, where wooden slides—"Russian Mountains"—provided seasonal entertainment. The first roller coaster as we know it, however, was built in the early 19th century in Paris, France. Called "Les Montagnes Russes à Belleville," it featured wheeled carts securely attached to tracks. Fast forward to the 1900s, which saw innovation skyrocket with coasters looping the loop for the first time.
© Japanese amateur photographer/Getty Images
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