A Thompson gravity switchback railway in front of the Arcadia Hotel, Santa Monica 1890.

https://onceuponatown.tumblr.com/post/151478795080/a-thompson-gravity-switchback-railway-in-front-of

Mr. La Marcus Adna Thompson’s Switchback Scenic Gravity Railroad,

 Born in Ohio and building his first switchback railway at Coney Island in 1884, Mr Thompson is widely known as the father of the roller coaster.