Six Flags Over Texas Fund, Ltd., a private-equity and asset-management firm, headed by Dallas businessman Jack Knox, bought the park in 1969.

[6] Planning for such a place began in 1959, under the leadership of Wynne and the Great Southwest Corporation, along with the backing of various New York City investors.

Dignitaries included the mayors of Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, and Irving.

[10] On opening day, guests could visit the six original themed sections: Mexico, Spain, France, The Confederacy, Texas, and Modern (representing the United States).

[12][13] The park also added two attractions: El Aserradero in 1963 and the Runaway Mine Train roller coaster in 1966.

[21][22] For more than three decades, one of the original themed areas was The Confederacy, which showcased Civil War re-enactments and displayed the Confederate battle flag.

A representative of the park told KXAS-TV, "We always choose to focus on celebrating the things that unite us versus those that divide us.

"[24][25] Six Flags Over Texas hosts events for holidays during the operating season that often draw thousands of visitors to the park.