9 Incredible Inventions The World Can Thank Colorado For
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Annie
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Recently we discussed how Jolly Ranchers were invented along Golden’s iconic main street and how the first teddy bear was made in Glenwood Springs but did you know that the Centennial State is the home of countless other inventions? Let us honor these bright Coloradans by taking a closer look at the incredible inventions and concepts that the world can thank Colorado for:
That's right, folks: Not only did a Coloradan come up with the concept for the best candy ever (AKA Jolly Ranchers) but also the best dessert ever! Invented by Cripple Creek Brewing owner Frank J. Wisner in 1893, the root beer float proves to be as popular as ever more than 100 years later, especially on hot summer days.
What do Chipotle, Qdoba, and Noodles all have in common (aside from being your favorite go-to restaurants)? Why there were all invented right here in Colorado, of course, with Chipotle making its debut in Denver in 1993, followed by Qdoba (Denver, 1995), and Noodles & Company (also Denver, 1995)!
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What makes the most wonderful time of the year even more wonderful? Christmas lights! As the story goes, the first Christmas lights were invented by Denverite D.D. Sturgeon — who dipped lights in red and green paint in an effort to bring Christmas to his sick son — in 1914.
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Have you ever illegally parked — whether accidentally or on purpose because you were only "going to be gone for 30 seconds" — and returned to your car to find it clamped? You have both your own naivete and Colorado to thank for this, as the wheel clamp (or Denver boot) was invented by concert violinist Frank Marugg in 1944.
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When it comes to comfort food, there is nothing like a juicy cheeseburger to fill any void. While many have claimed to have invented this high-calorie goodness, Coloradans know that it was REALLY developed by Louis Ballast of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver!
Has anyone else noticed that all of the best foods were invented right here in the Centennial State? Another example of Colorado's creativity is the hearty Shredded Wheat cereal, which was invented by Denver's Henry Perky in 1890.
While the concept of the tampon has been around since Ancient Egypt (though instead of using cotton, they used elephant or crocodile dung — yikes!), the modern-day equivalent was actually developed and patented by Dr. Earl Haas in 1931. Thanks, doc.
Hey, they may not be the prettiest thing you own (in fact, they may even tie for the ugliest), but by golly, this Boulder invention is COMFY!
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Last but certainly not least is the handy phone cover that has saved your iPhone (or Android — we won't judge too much!) more times than you want to admit. Thanks, Fort Collins native Curt Richardson.
Which Colorado invention are you most thankful for? Let us know in the comments! For even more Colorado pride, check out these 17 Reasons Why People In Colorado Should Be Proud Of Their State.
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