Six Flags Over Texas Then & Now
Series Four | March 2018
Then: Circa 1960s
Now: 2018
Ferrocarril Fiesta Train
The Ferrocarril Fiesta Train was an attraction that called Six Flags Over Texas home from 1961, the park's opening season, to 1978. Above is the entrance to the attraction, likely from the 1960s. The park's Spain area has transformed quite a bit throughout the years. The removal of the Fiesta Train led to attractions such as La Vibora, Conquistador and more. In 1979, the El Sombrero attraction was moved, taking up a portion of Fiesta Train’s original location. It also used the exact same entrance and queue. In 2006, La Fiesta de las Tazas was installed in this location and El Sombrero was moved back to the Mexico section, across from its original placement.
Then: Circa 1960s
Now: 2018
Texas
The Texas section at Six Flags Over Texas features a number of structures from the park’s original season. Above is a look at the main thoroughfare through the park's Texas section. This line of buildings are all exactly the same, other than a few cosmetic changes and the stores that stand within. The bench towards the bottom of the picture still stands. These store fronts once housed locations such as a meat market, post office and more. In present, these locations are now a taco restaurant, bakery and candy store.
Then: Late 1970s
Now: 2018
Mother Morton’s
While All American Cafe is not the same structure as Mother Morton's, it sits near the same location in the park's USA section. This picture of Mother Morton's is likely from the late 1970s as it occupied this location from 1977 to 1981. The square shade structure above Mother Morton's existed in the park until 2008, serving as an outdoor seating area for USA Food Court. When USA Food Court was transformed into All American Cafe, the square shade structure was demolished.
Then: 1968
Now: 2018
The Spectrum
Originally opened for the 1970 season, the Spectrum was an indoor gift shop at Six Flags Over Texas. We date the "then" photograph back to the 1970s as this picture was likely taken from the AstroLift. The current Studio 6F shop shares many of the same architectural features as its past tenant. This shop has undergone many changes over the years, including also being formerly known as Attitudes. The front has been remodeled and shows off less windows. Brick work near the base of the building is the same, though it was painted back in the days of The Spectrum.
Then: Circa1960s
Now: 2018
Western Shop
Perhaps one of the most unchanged buildings in the park is the Western Shop. The "saddler" sign on the second level still exists from the 1960s, as well as a hanging hand on the front, which can be seen peeking through the tree. The tree itself, though much larger now, stands in its original place. This was once home to a real-life glassblower. Guests could purchase crafted, hand-made glass ornaments and objects.