The original Switchback Railway created by LaMarcus Adna Thompson. He obtained a patent for it in 1885.
The Swithback Railway at Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City.
Images Courtesy of Google
Later Progress
1927
The Cyclone, the famous historical roller coaster, was open to the public starting from 1927. It was built on the site of the original Switchback Railway.
The Cyclone on Coney Island, Brooklyn, as part of Astroland Park.
Passengers enjoying riding the historic wooden roller coaster that has been operating for more than 80 years.
Images Courtesy of MSN
1959
Matterhorn Bobsleds at the Disney amusement park, the first steel roller coaster.
Passengers enjoying the ride.
Images Courtesy of MSN
1972
The Racer roller coaster at Kings Island, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. The 1970s were also known as the "Roller Coaster Renaissance."
Another view of The Racer with the Blue Racer (one of the trains on its double track) speeding down at the moment.
Images Courtesy of MSN
1990s
An inverted loop and corkscrew on Batman: The Ride in Six Flags theme parks.
An inverted straight part of Great Bear at Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Images Courtesy of MSN
Current
2009
Diving Coaster at Happy Valley, Shanghai, China, with its signature 90 degree drop.
The layout for the popular dive coaster ride that was used for Diving Coaster and SheiKra (exactly the same). Dive coasters let riders experience freefalling with at least one 90 degree drop.
Images Courtesy of MSN and Wikipedia (respectively)
2010
The Formula Rossa roller coaster at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Formula Rossa was released to the public in 2010. It is the fastest roller coaster in the world with a record speed of 150 mph.