Karl Bacon and Ed Morgan, the innovators behind Disneyland's iconic Matterhorn Bobsleds, have been inducted into the 2025 National Inventors Hall of Fame. Their revolutionary tubular steel track technology, introduced in 1959, transformed roller coaster design and set the foundation for modern amusement park attractions.
The duo joins Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot, who was inducted in 2024 for his contributions to interactive technologies and special effects.
Karl Bacon: An Engineer Ahead of His Time
Born in Oakland, Maine, in 1910, Karl Bacon displayed a natural aptitude for engineering. Self-taught in mathematics and mechanics, Bacon began his career during World War II as an employee of Hendy Iron Works, a Navy contractor. It was there he met Ed Morgan, setting the stage for a decades-long partnership.
In 1946, Bacon and Morgan co-founded Arrow Development, initially producing machine parts before transitioning to amusement ride design. Bacon's engineering skills were integral to developing the tubular steel track system used in the Matterhorn Bobsleds, which replaced traditional wooden tracks. The innovative steel design allowed for smoother rides, tighter turns, and greater reliability, revolutionizing roller coaster engineering.
Ed Morgan: The Visionary Craftsman
Ed Morgan, born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1915, shared Bacon's passion for engineering and problem-solving. A skilled machinist, Morgan also worked at Hendy Iron Works before co-founding Arrow Development. With a knack for practical design, Morgan played a critical role in translating ambitious concepts into functional amusement rides.
Morgan and Bacon's collaboration with Walt Disney was pivotal in creating Disneyland's most memorable attractions. Beyond the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Arrow Development contributed to other iconic rides, including the Mad Tea Party and the original version of It's a Small World.
Matterhorn Bobsleds: A Legacy of Innovation
The Matterhorn Bobsleds, debuting in Disneyland's Fantasyland in 1959, became the first roller coaster to use tubular steel track technology. The design allowed for greater flexibility in creating thrilling, dynamic layouts while improving safety and comfort. The Matterhorn remains a hallmark of Disney engineering and is celebrated as a milestone in amusement park history.
The impact of Bacon and Morgan's invention extends far beyond Disneyland. Their tubular steel track system became the industry standard, enabling the development of increasingly sophisticated roller coasters worldwide.
Continuing Disney's Legacy of Innovation
The induction of Bacon and Morgan into the National Inventors Hall of Fame follows last year's recognition of Lanny Smoot, a prolific Disney Imagineer with over 100 patents. Smoot's contributions include groundbreaking technologies for special effects and interactive attractions, such as the creation of Star Wars lightsabers used in Disney theme parks.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame will honor Bacon and Morgan posthumously at its induction ceremony on May 8, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
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