When people think of what Tennessee is famous for, one of the first things that might come to mind is the thriving music scene. Spanning across several genres and boasting some pretty impressive individuals, we certainly have a big musical history and culture. That’s not the only feather in our state’s cap, however. There is another feather that is small, fluffy, and edible that has its roots in the Volunteer State. The first cotton candy machine was made right here in Tennessee, and the inventor was none other than a dentist. It’s funny how life works sometimes.

William Morrison was a dentist by trade but he also was a brilliant mind who loved to tinker.
wonderferret/ Flickr
Not much is known about this man that lived from 1860 to 1926, but we know his one claim to fame. He invented the cotton candy machine and some speculate that he was trying to boost his business in dental work, while others think he was much more lighthearted and simply had a sweet tooth.
The mechanism is rather simple, but provides a wholly magical effect that has wowed and amazed people for decades. By placing sugar in the middle, the machine spins and heats up the crystals and pushes them back up through the hole in fine threads that stick together into one wonderful fluffy treat.
linkway88/ Flickr
The invention so thrilled Mr. Morrison that he promptly took it to the 1904’s St. Louis World's Fair. There he showcased his new dessert to anyone who would give them attention and to say the least, it was an instant success.
Missouri History Museum/ Wiki Commons

Related Stories

Few People Know About The Missing Treasure Hiding Somewhere In Western Tennessee

Few People Know About The Missing Treasure Hiding Somewhere In Western Tennessee

 A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Mysterious Native American Burial Mounds Hiding In Tennessee

A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Mysterious Native American Burial Mounds Hiding In Tennessee

 These 14 Weird Laws In Tennessee Are Unbelievable - Yet Totally Real

These 14 Weird Laws In Tennessee Are Unbelievable - Yet Totally Real
Mr. Morrison called it Fairy Floss and to this day in Australia they still use the original name. However, the product has changed slightly over the years and we now just call it cotton candy.
Miss Shari/ Flickr
Today you can find it bagged or fresh on a stick at a fair and carnival. This has been a staple of such activities for years and years now, but not many people think about Tennessee, when they tear off a large piece of cotton candy.
Steve Shupe/ Flickr
If you are anything like us then you have fond childhood memories of watching a simple stick turn into a colorful and edible cloud. There isn’t a snack like this anywhere else, and when you really think about it, of course something this unique was born in Tennessee!
Spencer Tweedy/ Flickr

Sometimes cotton candy can be really hard to come by, many times you have to settle for a sealed bag and it just doesn’t hit the same. Luckily for us, not far from where the first cotton candy machine was invented, you can get works of fluffy cotton candy art. Puffy Cotton Candy has taken what Mr. Morrison started and crafted it into a wonderful masterpiece you must see. Make sure to head to Franklin, Tennessee, to see what all the hype is about!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Tennessee