Sea Lion Park ca. 1902

Paul Boyton had been touring the United States with his aquatic circus to some success when he decided to make Coney Island his permanent home. Securing 16 acres, Boyton created a park named after the 40 some Sea Lions featured in his show. Upon its opening in 1895, Sea Lion Park became the first permanent enclosed amusement park in the United States (as opposed to traveling circuses and fairs.) Though the circus was the main attraction, Boyton also built a series of rides and acts to dazzle and entertain visitors. By 1902, despite attempts at revitalizing the park, competition from the neighboring Steeplechase Park proved too steep for Boyton. He leased the park to Frederic Thompson and Elmer Dundy, who would build Luna Park on its grounds. While Sea Lion Park is long gone, it served as the progenitor of modern amusement parks.