History
The land currently known as "Coney Island" was called "Narrioch" by the original Native American inhabitants. The word "Narrioch" literally means "the land without shadows" or "always in the light." However, there is no verified account of how and when the term "Coney Island" was coined as the official name for the area. Though once the land disputes were settled at the end of the 18th century, the area saw several development plans that included resorts and hotels.
The Gravesend and Coney Island Road and Bridge Company built a bridge named Coney Island Creek in 1824, connecting the island to the mainland. It was one of the region’s first major construction achievements. This bridge made it easy to reach the Coney Island House, the first local hotel project to be completed nearby. The following years saw a rapid boost in the hotel business as transportation facilities to and across the area improved by carriage roads, steamships, and ferry lines.
Between the 1880s and the mid-nineteenth century, as Coney Island grew into a bustling metropolitan area, it also gave life to the most prominent entertainment spot in the United States. At one time, Coney Island was home to three of the most popular amusement parks in the country: Steeplechase Park, Luna Park, and Dreamland. These big names were not the only attractions in Coney Island; several other amusement parks were developed across the city, in addition to the lively beach areas and boardwalk.
