Flying Horse Carousel, Historic carousel in Watch Hill, Rhode Island
The Flying Horse Carousel is a wooden merry-go-round in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, with twenty hand-carved horses that hang from chains. As the platform rotates, centrifugal force swings the horses outward, creating the sensation of flight that gives the ride its name.
Made in 1876 by the Dare Company of New York, this carousel traveled with carnival attractions before arriving in Watch Hill in 1879. It has remained in this location ever since, becoming a community fixture.
Children can try their hand at grabbing a brass ring as the carousel spins, a game that rewards the most daring riders with a free token. This tradition has drawn families back to the same ride for generations.
The ride operates during summer months from June through early September on the Watch Hill waterfront. A quick spin lets visitors easily return for multiple rides to try different horses if they wish.
It is one of only two surviving Dare Company carousels still in existence, making it exceptionally rare among amusement rides. Each horse was carved from a single block of wood, a time-consuming technique that demonstrates the original craftsmanship behind the ride.
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