 The name may have originated with local Dutch farmers name for area rabbits, konijn.
Coney Island became a resort after the Civil War with improved access via rail and steamship.
It was a major attraction until World War II, after which its popularity declined and it fell into neglect.
 There have been several attempts to revitalize the area over the years.
Coney Island featured large amusement parks in its heyday that have since closed: Sea Lion Park, Luna Park, Dreamland and Steeplechase Park, which was the last to close in 1964 and where KeySpan Park—home of the Brooklyn Cyclones—is today.
 Astroland, which opened in 1962, was sold in November of 2006 to developer Thor Equities. It will be replaced by Coney Island Park in 2011, but the Cyclone roller coaster will continue to be operated by the Astroland owners.
 Today, the New York Aquarium, which opened at its Coney Island location in 1957, stands on the former site of the Dreamland amusement park, and KeySpan Park, which opened in 2001 as the home of the minor-league baseball team the Brooklyn Cyclones, is located where Steeplechase Park once stood.
 The Riegelmann Boardwalk, opened in 1923, provides access to the two-and-a-half mile sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean. Steeplechase Pier is a popular fishing spot both in the summer and winter when fishermen are about the only people you'll see at the beach.
With carousels, bumper cars, and haunted house rides, Coney Island hosts a variety of amusement rides. However, the rides and attractions are all separately owned and managed by different companies.
The Wonder Wheel, the Parachute Jump and the Cyclone are all recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and protected as designated New York City landmarks.
 The Wonder Wheel, built in 1920, is a 150-foot tall ferris wheel with both stationary and rocking cars. The Parachute Jump debuted at the 1939 New York World's Fair. The ride was closed in 1968, but remains as a landmark. Most famous is the Cyclone roller coaster. Built in 1927, it is one the oldest wooden roller coasters still in operation in the United States.
 Perhaps even more renowned than the Cyclone is the original Nathan's Famous hot dog stand, which opened in 1916.
Since its opening, Nathan's has held an annual hot dog eating contest every July 4th. Also popular is the colorful and outrageous Mermaid Parade, produced every summer on Surf Avenue by the non-profit arts organization Coney Island U.S.A., which is also responsible for the Coney Island Museum, filled with Coney Island memorabilia.
Free entrance to the New York Aquarium and special offers at Astroland Amusement Park and Deno's Wonder Wheel are just a few of many included attractions, museums and tours when you purchase the New York Pass.
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