Hersheypark was originally opened on May 30, 1906 (Memorial Day), by Milton S. Hershey, the founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company. Interestingly, it wasn't built as a commercial theme park, but rather as a leisure park for his employees and the residents of the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania. In its earliest days, it featured a simple baseball field, a bandstand, and scenic areas for picnicking and boating along Spring Creek. The first "ride," a used merry-go-round, was added in 1908. Over the next century, it evolved from a local park into a world-class destination. The park's first major roller coaster, The Wild Cat, was built in 1923 to celebrate the town's 20th anniversary. By 2026, Hersheypark has grown to over 120 acres with 15+ roller coasters and a full water park (The Boardwalk). Despite its massive modern expansion, it still retains its original charm, with the "Chocolatetown" entrance honoring the history and legacy of Milton Hershey. The transition from a "factory park" to a major tourist attraction is a unique piece of American history, reflecting the evolution of corporate social responsibility and the rise of the modern amusement industry.