8.  Charles Lindbergh Rode the Cyclone and Said it was the Scariest Thing he’s Ever Done.

In the summer of 1988, the Coney Island Cyclone was up for consideration to become a historical landmark (which was subsequently approved). As part of the case for the Cyclone’s significance, a public hearing took place in which many anecdotes that were thought to show-off the Cyclone’s character were shared, including the opinion of Charles Lindbergh.

Lindbergh, who is credited as the first person to make a solo, nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean was quoted at the hearing as having said: “A ride on Cyclone is a greater thrill than flying an airplane at top speed.” Lindbergh was reported saying this just two years after he crossed the Atlantic.

Another fun fact: in the next state over, in Flemington, New Jersey is where the famous case to try the kidnapper of Lindbergh’s son tok place – a historic town at risk of demolition.