<P> The name "Six Flags" refers to the flags of the six different nations that have governed Texas: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States, and the Confederate States of America . The original park was (and still is) split into separate regions, such as the Spain and Mexico section which featured Spanish - themed rides, attractions, and buildings . </P> <P> The Six Flags chain originated in 1957 with the creation of The Great Southwest Corporation by Angus G. Wynne and other investors . Construction of "Six Flags Over Texas" started in 1960, and the park was opened the next year for a short (45 - day) season . The first park initially featured a Native American village, a gondola ride, a railroad, some Wild West shows, a stagecoach ride, and "Skull Island", a pirate - themed adventure attraction . There was also an excursion, inspired by the historical La Salle Expeditions in the late 1600s, called "LaSalle's River Adventure", aboard French riverboats through a wilderness full of animated puppets . Over time, all of those attractions, except for the railroad, would be replaced by others, such as roller coasters, swing rides, log flumes, and shoot - the - chute rides, as well as an observation tower . </P> <P> The original park, Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington (between Dallas and Fort Worth) was sold in 1966 to a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad, which was actively pursuing non-railroad investments in an effort to diversify its sources of income . (In 1968, the Pennsylvania Railroad merged with the New York Central Railroad to form Penn Central Corp .) With the new owners came a more abundant supply of capital for geographic expansion and park additions . Six Flags opened Six Flags Over Georgia in 1967 and Six Flags Over Mid-America in 1971, which would, along with Six Flags Over Texas, be the only three parks that would be constructed by the company . </P> <P> The company continued to grow by acquiring independent parks . Six Flags purchased AstroWorld in Houston, Texas in 1975, Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey in 1977 and Magic Mountain in Valencia, California in 1979 . These purchases were followed by Penn Central selling assets to Bally Manufacturing in 1982 . </P>

Where is the first six flags amusement park