Some People Don’t Know That Denver Was The First To Do These 11 Things
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Annie
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There are not only a lot of great things about Denver; there are also a lot of great things from Denver. For starters, everyone knows that Denver was one of the first major American cities to legalize recreational marijuana use and enjoy a made-to-order burrito from Chipotle, but did you know that the Mile High City was the first to experience a number of other things as well? Take, for instance, these 11 things that first happened in Denver:
Many have claimed to have invented the cheeseburger, but we KNOW that it's among the many things Denver did first. It was invented by Louis Ballast of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver.
Sure, we all know that Coors (the largest brewing facility in the world) is based out of Golden... but did you know that it was also INVENTED there by immigrants Adolph Coors and Jacob Schueler in 1873?! (You probably did, but just humor me and act surprised.)
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Is there anything better than a big bowl of Shredded Wheat -- which was invented by Henry Perky in Denver in 1890 -- to start your day? We didn't think so!
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The dreaded wheel clamp (or "Denver Boot") was invented in 1944 by concert violinist Frank Marugg as a favor to his friends in law enforcement and politics. It might not be one of our favorite things from Denver, but it's still worth a mention.
It's the most wonderful time of the year and early 20th century merchants along the 16th Street Mall invented the most beautiful home decor of them all! (Seeing as though I never have to put them up/take them down, I am in LOVE with this kitschy Denver invention.)
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Seeing as though this is a family site, I won't say too much about the invention of the tampon except for the fact that it's among the many inventions from Denver. It was created here in Colorado by Dr. Earle Haas (who also invented the diaphragm).
Attention all teenagers and mall walkers: The shopping center was invented by Denverite Temple Buell, who dreamed up the Cherry Creek Mall (pictured) in the early 1920s! Oh, and another fun fact: Buell also designed the Paramount Theater, 16th Street Mall, and -- you guessed -- the iconic Buell Theater.
During a dry spell in the early 1980s, Denver Water conceived the concept of xeriscaping, or "landscape (an area) in a style which requires little or no irrigation." Today, this idea is huge all over the country and can still be found in yards across Colorado.
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God bless Mark Manger and our beloved GrOpener, which saves our palms from discomfort and quenches our thirst at record speeds.
The downside to your GrOpener and opening beers with ease is the fact that you are more susceptible to dropping your iPhone... enter the ingenious OtterBox, who's headquartered out of Fort Collins.
Among the many things Denver did first, Crocs have to be the most embarrassing. Despite the fact that they feel like walking on a cloud, I feel the need to apologize for this invention... Rest in peace, dignity; rest in peace.
So, were you aware of all the things Denver did first? What about all the great inventions from Denver? What other things from Denver would you add to this list? Share your thoughts with us!
Are you ready to discover more of what Denver has to offer? Check out these unforgettable tours in Denver that everyone should take at least once.
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Things From Denver
What are some things Denver did first?
Denver, Colorado is credited with several firsts. Here are a few things Denver did first:
- First City to Implement a Bike-Sharing Program: A large-scale bike-sharing program. Denver B-cycle launched in 2010, providing residents and visitors with a convenient way to rent bicycles for quick trips around the city. Unfortunately, the company closed for good roughly a decade after opening.
- First City to Complete a Major Airfield in the United States: Denver International Airport (DIA) opened in 1995 and was the first major airport to be constructed in the United States in more than 20 years. What’s more, at the time of its construction DIA was the first airport in the world with the capability to land three planes simultaneously in conditions that limited visibility.
- First Public Library: The Denver Public Library, established in 1889, was the first public library in the United States to be funded by a city tax. Significant in more ways than one, the library provided accessible education and resources to the community.
What are some of the most famous Denver, Colorado inventions?
Denver, Colorado has a history of innovation. Here are some well-known inventions from Denver:
- The Modern Aerosol Can: In 1941, Denver resident Lyle D. Goodhue invented the modern aerosol can. The updated can featured a pressurized canister with a valve and a propellant system, which allowed for a controlled release of liquids, sprays, and other substances.
- Jolly Rancher Candy: The popular hard candy was invented in Denver by Bill Harmsen and Dorothy Harmsen in 1949. The candy, which came in a variety of flavors, quickly gained popularity.
- Baby Einstein: Baby Einstein, a line of multimedia products designed to stimulate early learning in infants and toddlers, was created by Julie Aigner-Clark, a stay-at-home mom from Denver, in 1996.