Remember Libertyland

History

Libertyland's history can be a bit confusing, the park wasn't officially opened until 1976,
but it had been around since the 1920's. The park had been called Mid South Fair and Joy Plaza.
The history of the Zippin Pippin can be even more confusing. Many sources claim the ride opened in
1923, while others say it dates back to 1912. I believe it once operated on a boardwalk in
New York, and was then brought here. But that's just an opinion.

As most know, the Zippin Pippin (or Pippin at that time) was Elvis's favorite ride, he would rent
it for the night and ride it over and over again. This has kept the Zippin Pippin's reputation as Elvis's
favorite ride.

In the early 70's, the city of Memphis gave Mid South Fair about 1 million dollars to build
an amusement park, and this was how Libertyland began. The park opened as our country was
celebrating it's bicentennial year. The park was a success, but it never met what its creators imagined.
In 1979, Arrow Dynamics built the Revolution a triple-looping steel rollercoaster.
It would help Libertyland keep it's spot on the map.

The city of Memphis had told Mid South Fair that they would eventually have to repay the money
they had given them, at some point in time, this was forgiven, and Mid South Fair was no longer
paying the city. The park gradually began to lose money but the park kept on, adding various
attractions through-out the 80's. The 90's were a troublesome time for Libertyland, every year,
park employees talked about this being the last year, but the park was supported by the
Mid South Fair, that opened for 10 days in October.

In 2002, the park added the Rebellion, a nine story Fabri drop tower, this brought in some crowds,
but still did not bring in too much revenue. After this, the only new attractions for the park were
inflatable rides, and a karaoke machine. Before the 2005 season, the park invested in a firm company to
redo the park's image, they created a new logo and gave the park a new website. Various buildings
were also repainted. It still did not bring in the attendance they needed.
Libertyland operated its last day, October 29, 2005.

Days after the announcement that Libertyland would not reopen for the next season due
to financial reasons, a group of individuals formed the Save Libertyland group. The group
consisted of politicians and various citizens of the city of Memphis. Several attempts were made
to keep the park open but Mid South Fair had their mind set on what they wanted.

Libertyland was auctioned off in late June 2006. The Zippin Pippin was sold for $2,500 to a museum
owner. It changed owners several times before being given to Save Libertyland in 2008. It is still
standing at the old Libertyland site. Revolution was sold to Delgrosso's Amusement Park in
Pennsylvania where it has yet to been built. Rebellion is now operating at Ghost Town in the Sky.

The actual Libertyland site still contains some of the rides like the Old Hickory Log Flume and
the water slides. The Grand Carousel is also still at the former site of the park.