Deep in the heart of Jefferson, New Hampshire, once stood a vibrant slice of the Old West – Six-Gun City. For nearly six decades, this Frontier Western-style amusement park transported families back to an era of daring gunfights, bustling saloons, and spirited cowboys and cowgirls. While the sounds of smoking pistols and galloping horses have long faded, the memory of this beloved attraction lives on as a significant piece of New England’s tourism history.
The Visionary Beginnings of Six-Gun City
The story of Six-Gun City began in 1957, born from the ambitious vision of James and Eleanor Brady. Moving to Jefferson in 1941, the couple initially operated a dairy farm on their expansive 400-acre property until 1955. Their transition from farming to theme park pioneers illustrates a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit that shaped generations of family fun.
Initially, the park opened with a modest array of attractions:
- Eleanor’s popular dairy bar, serving delicious treats.
- An authentic-feeling Indian Camp.
- Engaging cowboy skits and staged gunfights.
- Classic stagecoach and pony rides.
- A lively gift shop offering Western apparel and toys.
The Bradys also took pride in displaying numerous Western artifacts, providing an educational touch to the entertaining environment.
Growth, Innovation, and Enduring Legacy
The Brady family’s dedication led to continuous expansion, transforming Six-Gun City into a comprehensive destination. Over the years, new features were added, including a realistic Western Main Street, a charming petting zoo, scenic woodland trails, and an array of carnival-style rides. Innovations like water rafts, a small roller coaster, and bumper boats ensured there was excitement for every age. Notably, Six-Gun City was among the first ‘dry’ parks to introduce waterslides and water rides in 1988, showcasing its pioneering spirit in the amusement industry.
Beyond the thrills, the Bradys were also passionate about preserving history. The park became a display ground for their collection of historic carriages, wagons, and sleighs, many with roots in the White Mountains, alongside old farm implements. This commitment to both entertainment and heritage made Six-Gun City a unique fixture in northern New Hampshire.
The park celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007, a landmark year that also saw the passing of James P. Brady Sr. at 90. The following year, James and Eleanor Brady were deservedly inducted into the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame, a testament to their extraordinary contributions to regional tourism. The park continued to evolve, undergoing renovations in 2009 with additions like the “Giddy-Up-Corral” merry-go-round.
Transformation and Farewell: The Fort Jefferson Era
In 2014, Six-Gun City underwent a significant rebranding, emerging as the Fort Jefferson Fun Park and Campground. While the iconic cowboy skits were phased out, new attractions like laser tag, go-karts, and a runaway train roller coaster were introduced, alongside new cabins for overnight stays. This modernization aimed to appeal to a new generation, but the park’s journey eventually concluded. Eleanor Ruth Brady passed away in 2018 at 99, and by that same year, Fort Jefferson Fun Park had officially closed its gates.
Conclusion
Today, a drive along Presidential Highway, Route 2, reveals many of the original Six-Gun City buildings still standing, silent monuments to a bygone era. While the vibrant sounds of Wild West adventures have faded, the spirit of Six-Gun City in Jefferson, New Hampshire, endures in the memories of thousands who visited. It stands as a powerful reminder of a family’s dream, a community’s employment, and a region’s beloved attraction that offered generations a unique taste of frontier excitement. Its legacy continues to evoke nostalgia for a time when the Wild West was just a short road trip away.
