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Alanson Wood
(1829 - 1909)
Patented the Roller Coaster and Roller Skates

Circular Railway Drawing

Patent Drawing


Circular Railway Drawing
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A carpenter, builder, and inventor who patented the roller coaster and roller skates, he came to Toledo as a poor carpenter until he sold his invention of the roller skate for a large sum in 1881. In 1883, he invented the first roller coaster, the forerunner of the "Figure 8" and sold the rights on a royalty basis.
In his last years, he worked on plans for a flying machine. For more on Wood, click here.
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