These 11 Iconic Products Define Wisconsin More Than Anything Else
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Daniella DiRienzo
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The world just wouldn’t be the same without Wisconsin. That’s not an opinion; it’s a fact. And if you need convincing, simply check out the list below, which includes iconic products, brands, and chains that originated right here in the Badger State.
Founded in Minong in 1987, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky is now the number one snack meat manufacturer in North America.
In 1873, the Horlick brothers moved from England to Racine, where they formed a company to produce malt-based baby food. Within 10 years, they altered the formula and began making malted milk, which went on to become a soda fountain staple. Today, it’s more commonly enjoyed in candy form.
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Now a name known around the world, Harley Davidson got its start in Milwaukee in 1901, when two friends, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, began work on a "motor-bicycle."
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Wisconsin hasn’t just provided the world with one of the most recognized motorcycles. The Badger State is also responsible for one of the most well-known brands of pedal bikes. We’re talking about Treks, which were first manufactured in Waterloo. Today, they’re among the most popular bikes in the world.
Founded in Sauk City in 1984, Culver’s is now a popular chain restaurant with dozens of locations throughout the Midwest as well as other parts of the country.
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Cousins Subs is another beloved chain that got its start in Wisconsin. It all began when Bill Sprecht, a New Jersey native living in Milwaukee, found himself craving the submarine sandwiches that were so common in his home state.
With a name like OshKosh B’gosh, the fact that this iconic clothing brand is from Wisconsin is common knowledge. It opened in Oshkosh (obviously) in 1895, but didn’t become a household name until the 1960s when its signature overalls appeared in a mail-order catalog.
Wisconsin is synonymous with cold winter weather, which, in turn, is synonymous with chapped lips. Keeping that in mind, it should come as no surprise that Carmex was invented in the Badger State. The first batch was whipped up in Wauwatosa in the 1930s.
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Originally Johnson Wax, SC Johnson opened in Racine in 1886. The company eventually changed its name and expanded its product offering to include a variety of cleaning and household products, such as Windex, Pledge, Drano, Ziploc, and lots more.
No list of Wisconsin products would be complete without one of the most iconic of all – the Cheesehead hat. The iconic hat is the creation of Foamation, a Milwaukee-based company.
Last but not least is cheese! There’s just no other product that says "Wisconsin" more.
So, did you know that Wisconsin was responsible for the products, brands, and chains mentioned above? Have something to add to this list? Tell us in the comments section.
Looking for another reason to be thankful for Wisconsin? Click here.
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