Freedomland USA: The Doomed “Disneyland of the East” in The Bronx

With Lloyd Trufelman

Freedomland U.S.A. was a theme park built on marshland in the Baychester section of the northeastern Bronx as the largest and most expensive theme park in the world by the flamboyant C. V. Wood, the former right-hand man to Walt Disney. It featured over 40 thrill rides, shows and live action attractions dedicated to American history, including the Great Chicago Fire, the transcontinental railway, the Civil War, stagecoaches, sternwheel riverboats, Fort Cavalry, the Northwest Fur Trappers Ride, Satellite City and others. Built to last for decades, the park was open for only 5 seasons before going bankrupt in 1964. The site was then redeveloped as Co-op City, the world’s largest housing cooperative. Despite its financial failure, it was enjoyed by many visitors, who have fond memories to this day. We’ll look back at the park’s highlights, the stories behind its demise and how much people enjoyed visiting it.

All tours are Eastern Time and last approximately 60 to 90 minutes.

Registration is now closed.

Saturday, May 22
11:00 AM

Virtual Tour

Tickets:
Member: $15
Non-member: $25

Freedomland USA plaque in Co-op City, The Bronx. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Hugo L. González. Modifications: photo cropped.