Goliath initially set three world records among wooden coasters, having the longest drop at 180 feet (55 m), the steepest angle of 85 degrees, and the fastest speed of 72 mph (116 km/h).

Goliath was constructed over a nine-month period on the site previously occupied by Iron Wolf, a steel roller coaster removed in 2011 and relocated to Six Flags America.

On August 5, 2011, Six Flags Great America announced on its official Facebook page that the Iron Wolf would be closing permanently on September 5, 2011.

[6][7] Later that month, it was revealed Six Flags Great America would be building a 165-foot-tall roller coaster (50 m), with plans to lobby the local zoning committee to exceed the 125-foot (38 m) height limit imposed on the park.

[7][8][9][10] The official announcement for Goliath came on August 29, 2013, where it was revealed the new wooden roller coaster would be manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) and open in 2014.

[22] Lightning struck a small section of the ride's station on June 6, 2014, causing it to catch fire briefly before being extinguished.

[1][19] Goliath was Rocky Mountain Construction's second ground-up wooden roller coaster following the opening of Silver Dollar City's Outlaw Run in early 2013.

[20] Additionally, this track style is designed to reduce the maintenance typically required for a wooden roller coaster and to provide a smoother ride experience.

After this, cars ascend to a height of 125 feet (38 m) for an overbanked turnaround, followed by a descent back to the ground and a small air-time hill.

This element is followed by a second overbanked turnaround, leading to the brake run and a short path back to the station.

[12][13] After Goliath opened, Six Flags Great America had the most wooden roller coaster track of any amusement park in the world.

Jessica D'Onofrio of ABC7 Chicago stated Goliath was the smoothest roller coaster she had ever been on, describing it as "a great adrenaline rush".