The Dream of Space City USA: Huntsville’s Unfulfilled Galactic Adventure

In the 1960s, Huntsville, Alabama, was ascending to prominence as the epicenter of the United States’ space exploration efforts. Home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville earned the nickname “Rocket City.”

Amidst the excitement and technological advancements, an ambitious idea was launched: Space City USA, a futuristic theme park that promised to bring the wonders of space exploration down to Earth.

A Visionary Concept

Plans for Space City USA were officially announced with great fanfare.

The proposed $5 million amusement park was to be situated on an expansive 850-acre site surrounding Lady Ann Lake, nestled between Huntsville and Decatur.

This prime location along Alabama Highway 20, near Madison and what is now Zierdt Road south of I-565, was chosen to provide easy access for visitors.

An artist’s rendering of the park unveiled various sections that captured the imagination: the Time Circle, Lost World, Space Plaza, Moon City, Dead Man’s Island, and Old South.

The park was designed to open in 1965, and excitement quickly spread through the community.

The park had been in the planning stages for three years, and a kickoff party at the Elks Club featured local dignitaries and Hollywood star Dean Jones of The Love Bug and That Darn Cat! fame.

The Attractions

Planned attractions included a space-themed roller coaster that would mimic the sensations of a rocket launch, a planetarium with cutting-edge astronomical shows, and interactive exhibits where visitors could learn about the science behind space travel.

There was even talk of a “moon walk” experience, where guests could don simulated space suits and experience the sensation of walking on the lunar surface.

One local teenager, Kerry Pinkerton, recalled the hype surrounding the project. “This was front-page news in the mid-’60s in Huntsville,” he said.

Pinkerton vividly remembered seeing the park’s design on placemats at a local diner. “It was a big deal,” he recalled. “Something to do in Huntsville — golly, what a novel idea that would be.”

A Rocky Start

The ambitious project seemed to have begun in a proper businesslike fashion with real assets. According to documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission, the plan was to offer 2 million shares of stock at up to $2.50 a share.

The SEC statement said the company, organized in 1963, had acquired real properties and erected an office building. Plans included constructing a motel at an estimated cost of $1.5 million, along with commencing engineering and grading work for the theme park.

By late January 1964, land grading had started, and efforts were underway to lower the water level in Lady Ann Lake to facilitate construction. Reports from the time described the excitement and buzz surrounding the project, with local kids and families eagerly awaiting the park’s opening.

The Memphis Commercial Appeal ran a story in March 1965, highlighting the park’s upcoming opening and showcasing its futuristic attractions.

The Fall of Space City

Despite the initial excitement and grand plans, Space City never made it past the planning stages.

Financial hurdles proved insurmountable.

The costs associated with building such an ambitious park seemed astronomical, and securing sufficient investment became a major challenge. Additionally, the project faced management issues and struggled to find a sustainable business model.

As construction stalled, local businesses filed lawsuits to recover unpaid debts.

The project chairman blamed weather delays for the setbacks, but the true reasons remained unclear.

By September 1967, the park was described as a decaying, overgrown site with a few rusting landmarks. Reports indicated that out of a reduced project cost of $2 million, only an estimated $500,000 had been spent on actual construction.

A Legacy of Imagination

Though Space City never materialized, its legacy endures in the spirit of innovation and exploration that defines Huntsville.

The idea of a space-themed amusement park captured the imagination of a city and its people, reflecting the optimism and ambition of an era when anything seemed possible.

Today, Huntsville’s rich history in space exploration continues to inspire future generations, even without the rides and attractions of Space City.

Remnants and Memories

Today, the upscale Edgewater subdivision sits where Space City was once planned, its name derived from Lady Ann Lake.

Developer Wayne Bonner, who bought the property in the early 1980s, recalls finding remnants of the project during the site’s development.

Workers uncovered old concrete slabs, train rails, and a dilapidated building. These remnants are silent witnesses to the ambitious dream that once captivated Huntsville.

In the end, Space City serves as a reminder of the dreams that drive us to reach for the stars.

While the park itself never opened its gates, the story of Space City remains a testament to the limitless potential of human imagination and the enduring allure of the cosmos.

Despite the project’s ultimate failure, the excitement and anticipation it generated are fondly remembered by those who lived through it, keeping the spirit of Space City alive in the collective memory of Huntsville.