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

Freedomland U.S.A., the American history theme park that was located in the Bronx (1960-1964), 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. -- currently celebrated in books, articles, broadcast programs and on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter and Pinterest) -- was situated 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.

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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 presentations include the Bartow-Pell Mansion and the East Bronx History Forum.

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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.

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.

Artwork On Exhibit

During the 2025 anniversary year, Freedomland social media is shining the spotlight on an exciting contemporary work created by artist Connie Manna and showcased in her series “Growing up Bronx.” The series continues and currently includes her childhood memories of Fordham Road, the Throgs Neck Bridge, the Third Avenue El, Shopping on Fordham Road, Rye Beach Bus Stop, and Loewe’s Paradise and other movie theaters. Raised only blocks from the park, Manna's FREEDOMLAND is acrylic on canvas, 3x4-feet with a modernistic view of key sights and attractions.

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Upcoming Exhibits

December 2024: FREEDOMLAND will be on exhibit along with a smaller piece at Focal Point Gallery, 321 City Island Avenue, City Island, Bronx.

February 8 – April 2025: FREEDOMLAND will be on exhibit at ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains.

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"My series of Bronx paintings is based on my memories rather than from actual photos,” said Manna, “so the objects I depict are rendered through that lens. I resist being held to rules of perspective and mechanical accuracy.

“My most vivid memory, and what I based FREEDOMLAND on, is hearing the train whistle on Sunday mornings and seeing the plume of smoke from my kitchen window. Over time, the whistle became less frequent, and I was deeply saddened when it stopped completely. I was devastated when I found out they were putting apartment buildings in its place. Worse still, it felt like it took forever for Co-op City to come to fruition, due to delays, such as sinking. My child-mind reasoned, ‘why couldn’t they keep the park open until they figured this out and at least keep the train running around the huge crater while they work.’ I look back at faded home movies and am struck by the smiles on the faces of the children, especially mine and those of my family. Memories of Freedomland were of a relaxed, fun and somewhat educational environment, but I was quite young and a visual learner, so what I remember most are the visuals, such as the Native Americans teaching crafts, the cowboy gunfights and the spaceship.”

Manna provides presentations and exhibitions of “Growing Up Bronx” along with her other work. Her artwork has been exhibited in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Washington, D.C. She also is associated with art enrichment programs in Connecticut and with ArtsWestchester, Westchester County libraries and Connecticut Continuing Education. Learn more at her website (https://conniemanna.com) and contact her at conniemanna2@gmail.com .

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.