On Coney Island's 95th Anniversary, We Look Back at the Beloved, Beer-Soaked Landmark

It’s official: Coney Island, the 2.7 mile stretch of Brooklyn broadwalk beloved by New Yorkers and tourists alike, is now a NYC landmark. On it’s 95th anniversary Tuesday morning (it opened on May 15, 1923), the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously voted for the iconic site to be granted landmark status, to which I say—how could it not be?

LPC Commissioner, Meenakshi Srinivasan shared the following statement:

“The Coney Island Boardwalk is as much a part of the culture as it is a part of the history of New York City. It is a beloved public space that embodies Coney Island’s democratic spirit and reflects our City’s values of tolerance, inclusivity and equity.”

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams also released a statement to mark the occasion:

“The same wooden walkway that inspired artists as diverse as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Beyoncé still inspires millions of people who enjoy its unique character. By designating the Riegelmann Boardwalk as a scenic landmark, the Landmarks Preservation Commission is protecting for future generations an institution that defines Brooklyn as a destination unlike anywhere else in the world.”

Congrats, Coney Island!

To celebrate, let’s take a look back at some historic photos of the site from WWII to today. Just like the Cyclone, it’s been a wild ride!