7BOWIE, Md. – The gates of Six Flags America closed for the last time this month, marking the end of a half-century of laughter, roller coasters, and local memories for generations of Marylanders.

The amusement park, which opened in 1974 as a wildlife center, evolved through multiple owners and identities before Six Flags took control in 1999.

Crowds gathered for one final weekend, taking photos under the familiar red-and-yellow signs and saying goodbye to the park they grew up with.

The nearest Six Flags park to Maryland is now in Jackson Township, New Jersey: Six Flags Great Adventure.

It shares a similar history, opening in 1974 with a large wildlife safari and eventually being purchased by Six Flags. It has seen a major transformation over the past two years with major rides such

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