A Brief History of Silver Dollar City
It all started back in 1894 when William Henry Lynch opened Marvel Cave to public tours. Boasting the largest known cave entrance in the United States, Marvel Cave became a well-known attaction over the next few decades. In 1960 after a change of ownership, Silver Dollar City was born, situated near the entrance to Marvel Cave. Built as a recreation of an 1880s Ozark village, Silver Dollar City in the early years featured two buildings restored from the old 19th century village of Marmaros, and assortment of shops, including a blacksmith, and street theater performances. The park employed seventeen people when it first opened.
In 1963, Silver Dollar City held its first crafting festival, which was the starting point for the dozens of craftsmen that now reside in the park full-time. Rides soon began to appear in the park, such as the looping Wildfire and the American Plunge water ride. The park now spreads over 61 acres and boasts five roller coasters, several water rides, live shows, and of course, authentic Ozark craftmanship.
