Remember Freedomland U.S.A.? The Debut Was 65 Years Ago!

Freedomland U.S.A., the American history theme park once located in the Bronx (1960-1964) and currently celebrated in books, articles, broadcast programs such as WRCR's Doo Wop Dream Machine and on social media, will commemorate the 65th anniversary of its debut during 2025. The park officially opened on Father’s Day, July 19, 1960.

Freedomland U.S.A. was located on marshland in the northeast portion of the borough. The land previously was the home for Native Americans (Lenape) and then Dutch and English settlers who operated mills. Freedomland is featured on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter and Pinterest. The park’s history has been documented in two books, Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History (Theme Park Press, 2018) and Freedomland U.S.A.: More Definitive History (Theme Park Press, 2024). Both books can be found on various online retail sites such as Amazon.

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Presentations about Freedomland U.S.A. are featured in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Libraries, museums, adult education, schools, historical societies and civic organizations can schedule a program that includes a park memorabilia display. For more information, email Freedomlandusa@yahoo.com or send a direct message through the social media platforms. Upcoming Bronx presentations include the Bartow-Pell Mansion and the East Bronx History Forum. Upcoming Westchester County presentations include Learning in Retirement at Iona University and the Harrison Public Library.

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Freedomland featured seven themed American history sections -- Little Old New York focused on lower Manhattan of the late 1800s, in Old Chicago of 1871 children and adults fought the great fire, The Great Plains of 1803-1900 showcased a fort and farmland, San Francisco of 1906 introduced a dark ride that simulated the devastating earthquake, The Old Southwest of 1890 incorporated the tough towns of the time, New Orleans celebrated Mardi Gras and was the location of the centennial commemoration of the Civil War, and Satellite City showcased the future.

The park was created and built by C.V. Wood, Disneyland’s first employee who supported the efforts of the Disney brothers to create their park. He designed other parks, including Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, and became involved with the Riverwalk in San Antonio and the community of Lake Havasu, Arizona, that features the relocation of the original London Bridge.

Freedomland Closes

Former Disney employees, Hollywood and Broadway creative personnel, and talent from New York City television contributed to the creation of Freedomland. Unknown to Wood, the creators, the employees and Freedomland’s fans, the landowner, local politicians, city planners and construction unions considered the park a temporary occupant of the property until land variances permitted significant development of the marshland for housing and shopping. The site for the last 50-plus years has been the location of Co-op City, the world’s largest cooperative complex.