The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, was built on top of the ruins of one of the oldest permanent amusement parks in the United States. "Perpetual Wholesome Amusement Land," as the park was known, closed in 1789 after a tragic fire destroyed the park's wooden roller coaster and several kiosks, killing 6 people and 1 tiger.

Henry Huntington acquired the land many years later in an auction, publicly declaring his intention to "cleanse the land of its curse" in any way he could. His dream was not fulfilled until after his death: in 1928, his former home was opened as the first public art gallery in the United States. To this day, a small replica circus tent and hot dog stand remain on the edge of the grounds to commemorate the lives lost in that infamous--and tragic--"PWAL fire" incident. They are frequently observed by the many amateur botanists visiting the grounds, although few remember the terrible event they commemorate.