The Parachute Jump was bought by Edward Tilyou from the 1939 New York World's Fair. The ride was run at the Lifesavers exhibit and opened for the 1941 season. It stood 262 feet at its tallest point and had twelve chutes, each with a seat that held two passengers. Although tame by the standards of today's rides, the experience of sitting 250 feet in the air on a small seat was unnerving. Just step on the modern-day versions built by Intamin, A.G. at Six Flags over Georgia, Six Flags over Texas and Six Flags Great Adventure (New Jersey).

Young riders enjoy the thrills of the Parachute Jump during the 1950's.

The base of the parachute drop during 1999. It is an interesting combination of art deco and militarism. The ride was originally built to help train troops, but the creator had so many civilian requests to ride his prototype that he converted the idea to an amusement ride. Steeplechase Park was to the left of the tower.  The Thunderbolt is barely visible to the right.

The top of the tower stands silently as the clouds roll overhead. It was rumored that some business-people wanted to see if the ride could be made to run again. Intamin looked at the ride and said it would cost millions to rework the ride to allow it to run again. Each seat of the ride was pulled up to the top of the tower where they would feel a slight jolt. All of the sudden the parachute would open with a "whoosh" and down the seat would fall, back the beach and world of Steeplechase Park.

The Parachute Jump was declared a Landmark on July 10, 1977, so the wrecking ball cannot touch it. The tower, painted a deep red, is known by many as Brooklyn's Eiffel Tower. Be sure to stop by and take a gander while strolling down the boardwalk.

Go inside Steeplechase

Tour the grounds & pool

Ride The Steeplechase horse race

Steeplechase Park