The Coca-Cola Golden Palace Saloon (later called the Red Garter) was a major entertainment venue at Legend City, featuring a rich variety of performers of just about every imaginable kind, most notably the ventriloquism act of future Miss America Vonda Kay Van Dyke. The Copper Tones barber shop quartet was another early act at the […]
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Eateries
A remarkable variety of food vendors came and went during the two decades of operations at Legend City.
Continue readingCochises Stronghold
The “River of Legends” river ride was a centerpiece attraction when Legend City first opened. The original ride incorporated a number of defining elements that remained present throughout the entire run of the river ride attraction, such as the Indian attacks and the earthquake. However, after the ride was renamed “Cochise’s Stronghold” in the mid […]
Continue readingCar Rides
Legend City featured two distinctive car rides, the Antique Car Ride and the Blakely Sports Car Ride. Despite problems with parts and wear and tear, both rides were open and functional for most of the park’s existence. Click on any photo below for an enlarged view and detailed notes.
Continue readingAttractions-general
Click on any photo below for an enlarged view and detailed notes.
Continue readingAttractions
The heart of Legend City, as in any amusement park, lay in its unique assortment of attractions: the rides, games, penny arcade and public spectacles that defined this special place in such a truly timeless way. Far from being a poor man’s Disneyland, Legend City was a genuinely original entertainment environment in both concept and […]
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Arizona Contractor and Community MagazineUnique and nostalgic publication that highlights the construction industry and its history in Arizona. Arizona Railway MuseumInteresting and comprehensive museum dedicated to the railways of Arizona and the Southwest. Brad Zinn’s Tribute to Great ComediansOutstanding comedic performer, magician and old friend of Legend City. Dolan EllisArizona’s official state balladeer and legendary […]
Continue readingAerial Views
This aerial photo of Legend City dates to the early ’70s. Click on areas of photo for closer views. Courtesy John Muessle.
Continue readingOpening-Day
Legend City opened its doors to the world for the first time on June 29, 1963. These photos of the festivities are courtesy of founder Louis Crandall.
Continue readingClosing Days
Legend City closed its doors for the last time on Sunday, September 4, 1983. The following spring, the remaining rides, signs, buildings and fixtures went up for auction and the park was then razed to the ground. Before it disappeared forever, Jim Madden documented the park’s final days in an extraordinary series of images. Photos […]
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