By Kristen Lawrence|Updated on August 26, 2021(Originally published August 23, 2021)
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Kristen Lawrence
Author
Texas staff writer for Only in Your State, blogger for Power of Positivity, and freelance health, wellness, and travel writer. I spend any chance I get traveling, enjoying nature, trying out new recipes, and meditating. I love sharing smiles, good food, and great conversation :)
It’s no surprise that most of the things invented in Texas relate to food in some way, shape, or form, right? As Texans, we love our food, and we aren’t ashamed of that. But, there are still a few other interesting things about Texas in this list that you might not have known. Take a look at this list of fun Texas trivia involving some of the coolest things invented in The Lone Star State. All other states, please hold your applause until the end.
Sometime in the 1950s, Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton wanted to make a burger so delicious that people would say 'what a burger!' Well, I would say they succeeded, and their milkshakes taste pretty awesome, too. Any Texan will tell you that their go-to fast food joint is always Whataburger, hands down.
Texas is the king of coming up with the tastiest, most artery-clogging foods, and corndogs are no exception to that. They were introduced at the State Fair of Texas sometime between 1938 and 1942, and have stuck with Texan's taste buds ever since. No fair in Texas would really feel complete without them; wouldn't you agree?
You're welcome, world. If you want to thank someone, all the credit goes to Mariano Martinez, a Mexican-American inventor and entrepreneur, who got the ingenious idea to use a soft-serve ice cream machine to make frozen margaritas. These delicious alcoholic beverages perfectly complement parties and Tex-Mex meals and have been doing so since 1971. All the more reason to love Texas. Can I get a hell yeah?!
Your favorite comfort food on a cold winter night and a staple in most American's diets came straight out of the great state of Texas. It was originally served at the San Antonio Chili Stand in the late 1800s, and around the same time, Lyman Davis from Corsicana started selling chili for only 5 cents per bowl. Wolf Brand Chili, the number one brand in Texas, was also invented in Corsicana. Other states might have their own version of chili, but we will always believe ours is the best since we came up with it and all.
Picturing a world without Snickers is downright scary. Luckily, you don't have to think about that because Texas came to the rescue once again. The heavenly bar of chocolatey goodness is manufactured at the Mars, Inc plant in Waco.
Finally, something healthy to add to the list! I'm not sure if this counts as an invention or more of a discovery, but some white grapefruits growing in South Texas were found to have mutations, resulting in a deep red color. Dr. Richard Hensz of Texas A&M worked tirelessly over the course of a few years to isolate the strain with the deepest-red coloring and sweetest flavor. The Texas "Ruby" Red Grapefruit was the first grapefruit to be patented in the U.S.
Well, back to unhealthy (but so darn delicious) again. You can thank Charles Doolin for this yummy invention we all cherish so much. And, coupled with the chili above, you've got yourself some Frito pie, which is one of America's favorite junk foods. Can Texas get any better than this? Well, of course.
I hope I'm not making you too hungry, but this list just wouldn't be legit without mentioning the wonderful creation of fajitas. It all started back in the early 1900s in the Rio Grande Valley when Mexican vaqueros performed round-ups on the ranches. As part of their pay, they got to eat the throw-away cuts of the butchered cattle, which they cooked over an open fire and rolled into a tortilla. We may eat them a bit differently than they did, but we still appreciate this mouth-watering Tex-Mex staple just as much.
Invented by a young pharmacist named Charles Adderton in 1885, Dr. Pepper has become the carbonated beverage of choice for people worldwide. Adderton made this thirst-quenching concoction while working at Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, and the owner, Wade Morrison, gave it the name we all know and love today.
The fourth-largest craft brewery in America started out with humble beginnings in Shiner at the Spoetzl Brewery. Founded in 1909, it's still one of Texas' favorite beers today.
You can't talk about awesome things from Texas without mentioning the best market in the world, in my opinion. Of course, any establishment committed to serving mostly natural foods comes out of Austin, and the first store opened in 1980 on the famous Lamar Blvd. The flagship store is also located on Lamar today, and the world headquarters is in Austin as well. Many jokes about how expensive the food is are still made, but you've gotta admit, they have an amazing salad bar and overall food selection. You might come out of there buying about ten things you didn't really need, but it's totally worth it, trust me.
We thought we would include things invented in Texas non-food-related, too, thanks to Michael Dell. He was actually a UT dropout and built the first computer in his dorm room while he still attended school. Needless to say, he made it to the long list of entrepreneurs and geniuses who became successful without a college degree, running one of the largest technological corporations in the world. Thanks, Michael, for giving us great computers at a price that won't break the bank.
Wouldn’t it be a sad world without Dr. Pepper and fajitas? I think so. What other things invented in Texas can you list that should have been included? Make sure to shout them out in the comments section!
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