It should come as no surprise that Dallas – Fort Worth is credited with many “firsts.” We’re ambitious and competitive Texans, after all! It takes some mighty fine talent to invent things that have made our lives more convenient, our taste buds happier, and our entertainment options expanded! Here are 13 things that Dallas did first that some people don’t know about, and we are claiming our bragging rights for these Texas inventions:

1. Jack Kilby, an engineer at Dallas-based Texas Instruments, invented the first microchip in 1958.
Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge/Flickr
This first integrated circuit reduced the amount of space taken up by electronic components and advanced circuits. These microchips could then be manufactured using an automated process and allowed for electronic devices that were more powerful and sophisticated than ever before.
2. Kilby also led a group in 1967 to invent the first handheld calculator.
Joe Haupt/Flickr
It's no surprise that he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000.
3. German chocolate cake was not invented in Germany.
Kimberly Vardeman/Flickr
Mrs. George Clay, a Dallas homemaker, submitted her recipe for "German's Chocolate Cake" to the Dallas Morning News in 1957. After it won "recipe of the day," it was widely distributed and became quite popular for utilizing the Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate created in 1852.
4. Dallas' Woodrow Wilson High School has some serious alumni athlete and musician bragging rights.
SA Moberly/Flickr
It is the only public high school in America to be the alma mater of two Heisman Trophy winners: quarterback Davey O’Brien, who won in 1938, and wide receiver Tim Brown, who won in 1987. Guitarist Steve Miller, leader of the Steve Miller Band, and ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill are also from here.
5. A Dallas resident is responsible for coining the phrase, "Super Bowl."
Ted Kerwin/Flickr
Sports mogul and longtime Dallas resident Lamar Hunt originated the term in a 1966 letter to commissioner Pete Rozelle, in which Hunt wrote, "I have kiddingly called it the 'Super Bowl,' which obviously can be improved upon." Obviously, he got it right!
6. The world’s first frozen margarita machine was invented in Dallas in 1971.
Jen R/Flickr
Restaurateur Mariano Martinez used a soft serve ice cream machine for his new, delicious creation.

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7. The first ever drive-through bank window was opened in Dallas in 1938.
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Hillcrest State Bank in Dallas certainly had customer convenience on its mind!
8. Dallas is the home of the original Tex-Mex cuisine.
David Harrell/Flickr
When Mike Martinez opened a small restaurant in Big D in 1916, he began infusing his food to integrate Mexican flare into it. In 1918, he changed the name to El Fenix.
9. The Texas Star Ferris Wheel was the tallest in America... until Las Vegas' High Roller opened in 2016.
things Dallas did first
Brett Chisum/Flickr
Texas Star, which opened in 1985, may now be the second tallest, but it is still the biggest draw at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas every year.
10. Dallas' Henry S. Garrett invented the automatic control of traffic lights in 1923.
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It was the first system in this country and, perhaps, the world. He also was the first to make such control "selective," meaning allowances could be made for emergency vehicles.
11. The concept of a convenience store got its start here in Dallas.
Mike Mozart/Flickr
In 1927, a Southland Ice Company employee began selling milk, eggs, and bread for convenience to customers. His business would later become known as 7-Eleven, which currently has more than 50,000 locations, making it the largest chain in the world.
12. The first landing of a supersonic Concorde in the United States was at the DFW Airport.
Daniel Mennerich/Flickr
The Air France aircraft landing was a part of the airport's dedication ceremony there in 1973.
13. Dr. Pepper was created in Waco in the 1880s.
things Dallas did first
Mike Mozart/Flickr
The tasty, carbonated soda remains a favorite choice of Texans today.

Do any of these Metroplex-based marvels come as a surprise to you? Are there other Texas inventions or innovations that should be added to our bragging rights? If so, add your comments below!

Did you know that there are over 300 breweries in Texas? Check out this YouTube video by Top Places to Visit with some more interesting facts about Texas.

Be sure to read our previous article with some quirky facts about Fort Worth Texas that we believe can improve your trivia game. 

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THINGS DALLAS DID FIRST & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | June 13, 2023

Besides the items listed above, what are some more things Dallas did first?

Here in Dallas, we have so many things that we did first. And here is a list of more Dallas firsts that we are known for: 

  • Birthplace of Barney and Friends - the lovable purple dinosaur was created in 1988 by Sheryl Leach, an author from Dallas
  • America’s First Shopping Center - built in 1931 Highland Park was the first shopping center in the country
  • The Corny Dog - many other states are connected to the invention of this tasty treat, but Carl and Neil Fletcher are also credited for introducing the corny dog to the State Fair of Texas back in the late 1930s
  • Liquid Paper - in 1951, Bette Nesmith Graham invented the correction fluid while working as an executive assistant for the Texas Bank and Trust
  • Mary Kay Cosmetics - the popular cosmetic line known for its iconic pink Cadillac was created by Mary Kay Ash in Dallas in 1963


But that’s not all folks. Here’s a previous article highlighting more things Dallas did first.

What are some fun facts about Texas?

While Dallas's firsts are quite notable, there are so many other interesting things about Texas. Here are some fun facts about Texas that we believe you’ll find fascinating. 

  • The Texas State Capitol building is taller than the U.S. Capitol
  • Billy Bob's Texas is the world's largest honky tonk
  • Kelly Clarkson was born in Fort Worth
  • Glenrio, an abandoned Texas town, features two different time zones
  • Texas is nearly 800 miles wide
  • Texas Germans, a group of German immigrants who settled in Texas, speak their own German dialect 
  • Tyler is home to America’s largest rose garden, the Tyler Rose Garden


Wanna discover more fun facts about our state? Read this previous article with some more fun facts about Texas. 

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