Six-Gun City, Jefferson, New Hampshire: Where the Wild West Lived (and Now Lives in Memory)
Okay, picture this: New Hampshire. Yeah, the land of maple syrup and scenic mountains. But back in the day, it had a little secret… a big ol’ dose of the Wild West! We’re talking about Six-Gun City in Jefferson, a family-owned amusement park that brought the frontier to life for almost six decades.
From Dairy Farm to Dude Ranch
The story starts with James and Eleanor Brady, a couple with eight kids and a 400-acre dairy farm. They moved to Jefferson in 1941, milking cows and living the simple life. But in 1957, they decided to shake things up. Inspired by Eleanor’s love of cooking and a shared passion for the Wild West, they started building Six-Gun City.
Initially, it was a modest affair. Eleanor ran a dairy bar, serving up her homemade goodies. But soon, the park expanded. They added an Indian Camp (a tip of the hat to Native American culture), cowboy skits with staged gunfights (always a crowd-pleaser!), and a stagecoach for those classic Western vibes. And of course, no self-respecting Western town is complete without a gift shop selling hats, boots, bandannas, and toy guns.
Growing Like a Tumbleweed
Over the years, Six-Gun City just kept growing. They built a Western Main Street, complete with a saloon (serving up root beer, of course!). A petting zoo gave kids a chance to get up close with some friendly critters. Trails wound through the woods, offering a bit of adventure. And then came the carnival rides: water rafts, a small roller coaster, bumper boats – you name it!
The Brady family were also big fans of preserving history. They collected and displayed historic carriages, wagons, and sleighs, some of which were local treasures from the White Mountains. Old farm implements and other Western artifacts added to the authentic atmosphere.
A Family Affair
One of the coolest things about Six-Gun City was that it was a true family business. Everyone pitched in, from the parents to the kids. And over the years, the park provided jobs for thousands of people in the area. It was a real community hub.
Staying Fresh
The Bradys weren’t afraid to innovate. In 1988, they added waterslides and water rides, becoming one of the first "dry" amusement parks to embrace the wet and wild side. It was a smart move that kept the crowds coming back.
In 2006, they expanded even further, purchasing the adjacent Jefferson Campground. It was clear that the Bradys were committed to making Six-Gun City a destination for families.
The End of an Era
Sadly, nothing lasts forever. James P. Brady Sr. passed away in 2007 at the age of 90, the same year Six-Gun City celebrated its 50th anniversary. A year later, James and Eleanor were inducted into the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame, a well-deserved honor for their contributions to tourism in northern New Hampshire.
In 2014, the park underwent a major transformation, becoming Fort Jefferson Fun Park and Campground. The cowboy skits were retired, but new attractions like water slides, laser tag, go-karts, and a runaway train roller coaster were added. It was an attempt to modernize and appeal to a new generation of thrill-seekers.
Eleanor Ruth Brady passed away in 2018 at the age of 99. By that time, Fort Jefferson Fun Park had closed its doors.
The Ghost Town That Remains
Today, if you drive along Route 2 in Jefferson, you can still see many of the original Six-Gun City buildings. They stand as a silent reminder of a time when the Wild West came to New Hampshire. The Jefferson Campground is still there, welcoming visitors. But the horses, wagons, stagecoaches, and cowboys have moved on to greener pastures.
Six-Gun City may be gone, but its legacy lives on in the memories of those who visited. It was a place where families could have fun, learn about history, and experience the thrill of the Wild West, all in the heart of New England.
Six-Gun City was located at 1492 Presidential Highway, Route 2.
More to Explore:
- New Hampshire: The Granite State
- New Hampshire History
- New Hampshire Photo Gallery
- Vanished America
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