Marriott planned three parks, the largest destined for the Washington, DC area. It was not to be, however, and the story behind that is a long tale of frustration, denial, and ill-will. But the other two nearly identical properties would open in 1976, living on to this day under different owners. So in case you’re wondering why Six Flags and Cedar Fair both own parks called “Great America,” this is where they came from. The map sections below are from the California park’s opening season.