In 1979, on February 6, Kings Island in Mason, Ohio birthed an icon in the amusement park world – The Beast roller coaster. Contrary to a gentle image, this ride, celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2024, lives up to its name, embodying the wild, challenging spirit of a true beast within the confines of Kings Island’s dense and previously untouched forest.

The genesis of the name came from the construction workers who dubbed the colossal roller coaster a “beast of a project.” Ruth Voss, the park’s public relations manager, seized this vivid descriptor and pitched it to the executives, resulting in the birth of The Beast.

To gauge public perception, Kings Island conducted interviews with diverse groups of roller coaster enthusiasts. The consensus was unanimous – the name resonated with wildness, fright, challenge, and power. Riders envisioned an experience beyond the ordinary, described as “fast, thrilling, and fun” and the epitome of everything one could fantasize about a roller coaster.

However, The Beast wasn’t just a name; it was a promise of unprecedented excitement. Boasting records, it became the longest wooden roller coaster globally, with almost 7,400 board feet of track and a four-minute ride duration. Its vertical drops of 135 and 141 feet made it the highest, and speeds reaching up to 65 miles per hour labeled it the fastest. Yet, what truly set it apart were the four tunnels, three underground, and its integration with the natural terrain – a roller coaster like no other in history.

Situated in the rugged Rivertown theme area, The Beast exploits the park’s natural hills, steep cliffs, ravines, and gullies. A research group member succinctly captured the essence, saying, “Something wild, exciting — something you have to conquer.”

The logo, crafted by national advertising firm Lawler Ballard Little, added another accolade to The Beast’s legacy. It received an award from The Advertising Club of New York later that year, cementing its place as not just a thrilling ride but a recognized design in the world of advertising.

Three years of design and construction culminated in the official unveiling of The Beast on Friday, April 13, 1979, amidst a steady downpour. Despite the inclement weather, the event drew reporters from across the U.S. and Great Britain, eager to witness the debut of the record-breaking 7,359-foot-long wooden roller coaster.

Seventeen notable individuals, including Charles S. Meachem, Jr. (Chairman of the Board, Taft Broadcasting Company) and William C. Price (Vice President & General Manager, Kings Island), were among the first riders on the gleaming red, orange, and yellow coaster cars. This marked the beginning of an era for The Beast.

Following the inaugural ride, media representatives and one thrilled roller coaster enthusiast, Carl Eichelman, braved the cold, rainy, and windy conditions for the next four and a half hours. Armed with cameras attached to special mounts on the front cars, they aimed to capture the sights and sounds of this extraordinary ride.

Despite the challenging weather, that day became a memorable chapter in Kings Island’s history, marking the triumphant launch of The Beast. Today, after 45 years, it remains a timeless ride, a name etched in amusement park history, and a logo that continues to defy the test of time.

Required reading: Tower Topics a Passionate Journey into the Heart of Kings Island

Watch Tower Topics: How The Beast Got Its Name