1. American Rockets Built in ALABAMA
2. Kayaks From ALASKA
Kayaks were invented by the Inuit and Aleut tribes. The boats eventually showed up in Europe in the mid-1800s, but the origins of this genius watercraft are quintessentially American.
3. World's Oldest Rodeo in ARIZONA
Prescott, AZ, boasts hosting the world's oldest professional rodeo. Rodeos are so important in the state that some school districts even schedule time off for an official "rodeo vacation."
4. Diamonds Found in ARKANSAS
The largest diamonds discovered in the States were found in Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, AR. They also have some pretty great names.
5. The Wave From CALIFORNIA
6. Cheeseburgers From COLORADO
It's unknown precisely *who* first put a slice of delicious cheese on a hot patty, but the sandwich's origins have been attributed to a drive-in near western Denver.
7. Lobster Rolls From CONNECTICUT
This famous sandwich is enjoyed all over the country, but it may surprise you to learn it may not have been first enjoyed in Boston, but rather in The Constitution State.
8. Horseshoe Crabs in DELAWARE
The epic, prehistoric version of regular crabs can be seen all around the Delaware Bay. The crabs come up onto DE beaches in the spring and make everything, like, a little scary and a lot awesome.
9. Sunscreen From FLORIDA
10. Peaches From GEORGIA
GA is the number-one producer of peaches in the country. Surprise, surprise!
11. Monk Seals Native to HAWAII
Probably the cutest species of seal is one of two mammals native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is also one of the only seals that prefers tropical waters.
12. Ski Lifts From IDAHO
The first ski lift was created in Sun Valley, ID, in the 1930s. The lifts did not become an industry standard until the 1970s.
13. Deep Dish Pizza from ILLINOIS
14. Santa Claus in INDIANA
IN has a town called Santa Claus. Because of the town's name, this is where a good number of the nation's Christmas letters end up.
15. John Wayne Is From IOWA
16. American Buffalo in KANSAS
The buffalo (or North American bison) is the state's official animal. Kansas is home to a number of herds of bison, which can be visited at public and private reserves.
17. Horses From KENTUCKY
KY produces 30% of the country's Thoroughbred horses. That is the largest amount of any other state.
18. Pecan Pie From LOUISIANA
Pecan pie was invented by French settlers near New Orleans shortly after Native Americans introduced the nut to them. It's safe to say the States are better for it.
19. Earmuffs From MAINE
20. Blue Crabs From MARYLAND
Blue crabs are fished out of the Chesapeake Bay. They're a much-appreciated addition (if not the most important part) of a good crab boil.
21. Chocolate Chip Cookies Invented in MASSACHUSETTS
The chocolate chip cookie will turn 77 this year; it was invented in Whitman, MA.
22. Ginger Ale From MICHIGAN
Vernors Ginger Ale was the first ginger ale beverage to be made and sold in the country. It was served by a pharmacist in Detroit in 1866.
23. The Toaster From MINNESOTA
The toaster was first patented in 1921 in Stillwater, MN. It's no wonder such a cold state would want its bread warmed up.
24. "Teddy Bear" From MISSISSIPPI
25. First Parachute Jump in MISSOURI
The first successful parachute descent was made above Jefferson Barracks just south of St. Louis. It celebrated its 103rd anniversary this year.
26. Evel Knievel Is From MONTANA
Born in Butte, Knievel was raised by his grandparents. His birth name was Robert, but he acquired "Evel" at a young age.
27. Ranch Dressing From NEBRASKA
Ranch dressing was a recipe that was created by a native Nebraskan plumbing contractor working out of state in 1949...and we have partook in its glory ever since!
28. Extraterrestrials in NEVADA
29. Hitting the Slopes in NEW HAMPSHIRE
Put away your footballs — NH is the only state in the country that offers competitive ski jumping to high schoolers!
30. Drive-in Movies From NEW JERSEY
The first drive-in movie was held in 1933 in Camden, NJ. The attraction was originally called a "park-in theater."
31. Second-oldest City in NEW MEXICO
Santa Fe was founded in 1610, making it the second-oldest city in the country after St. Augustine!
32. Baseball From NEW YORK
33. Pork Barbecue in NORTH CAROLINA
Southern barbecue has roots in a few states, but you can thank NC for the classic vinegar-based pork barbecue.
34. Enchanted Highway in NORTH DAKOTA
About 30 miles of road have been designated the Enchanted Highway because of elaborate metal sculptures that have been placed along the sides. They truly add a bit of magic to the landscape.
35. Airplanes From OHIO
The Wright Brothers were the first to perfect flight using their model airplane. Once they moved to Dayton, OH, they flew successfully for up to a half hour on the edge of town.
36. The Sound of an Electric Guitar From OKLAHOMA
Born in the OK state, Bob Dunn was the first musician to record sound from an electric guitar.
37. The Deepest Lake Is in OREGON
38. Electricity Harnessed in PENNSYLVANIA
Benjamin Franklin conducted a number of experiments with electricity in PA. Without him, the country might be a very different (darker?) place.
39. Coffee Milk From RHODE ISLAND
This chocolatey beverage is the official state drink of RI. It is as delicious as it is rare outside of the state.
40. Golf in SOUTH CAROLINA
The first game of golf played in this country occurred in 1786, and the state has some of the best golf courses to this day.
41. Mount Rushmore in SOUTH DAKOTA
The monument sits in Black Hills National Forest. It took 14 years to complete and was finally finished in 1941.
42. Cotton Candy From TENNESSEE
43. Queso From TEXAS
Tex-Mex is a regional favorite in the Lone Star state, and nothing is more celebrated than the infallible Chili con Queso.
44. Zion in UTAH
Zion National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the country. It's the oldest national park in the state founded in 1919.
45. Maple Syrup From VERMONT
VT is basically the Canada of the States when it comes to syrup. It's the largest producer of maple syrup in the country.
46. Peanuts From VIRGINIA
47. Apples From WASHINGTON
The state produces 58% of the apples grown in the country. Those fruits are then exported to other states and countries.
48. Major "Ups" in WEST VIRGINIA
Georgeann Wells was the first woman to slam dunk a basketball in a college game. She is firmly placed in the West Virginia Athletic Hall of Fame.
49. Cheeseheads in WISCONSIN
The local nickname is a symbol of pride born out the state's affinity for cheese. Some sports fans in the state even wear a cheese hat to symbolize their appreciation of the name.
50. Cowboys in WYOMING
