9 Incredible Inventions The World Can Thank North Carolina For
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Robin Jarvis
Author
North Carolinians are a creative bunch. Over the span of say, a couple of centuries, we’ve designed and tweaked and finalized products and activities not only adored the world over, but also in great demand and beloved around the world. Take a peek at a modest list of nine of them below.
A personal favorite, Texas Pete was created in Winston Salem in 1937 by Sam Garner when his BBQ stand customers asked for something with more spice than traditional BBQ. When names were being tossed around for the new invention, "Mexican Joe," was reportedly on the table, but Garner went with Texas Pete instead.
The very first flight took place in December 1903 at Kitty Hawk. It lasted 12 seconds and traveled 120 feet. We have the Wright Brothers to thank.
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Pepsi was officially bottled and branded "Pepsi" in 1898, after first being sold under another name by its creator. Pharmacist Caleb Bradham (the father of Pepsi) first sold the concoction as a remedy for upset stomach. From 1893 to 1898, it was called Brad's Drink. You can read all about Pepsi's humble beginnings in New Bern in this OnlyInYourState article.
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More than 100 years ago, in 1906, a pharmacist in Raleigh invented BC Headache Powder. The inventor's name was Bernard Cheek.
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It's hard to imagine an America without Krispy Kreme and, thankfully, we won't have to in the foreseeable future. The very first Krispy Kreme hot and now donuts were served out the side door of the original bakery which opened in Old Salem in 1937.
Originally created by a pharmacist in Selma, Vick's was soon packaged and sold by the family business known as Richardson-Vicks based in Greensboro.
In 1926, the Mt. Olive Pickle Company was formed when an entrepreneur saw an opportunity to sell the many small cucumbers that were going to waste at local commercial farms. The idea spawned a whole new market for area farmers.
Pepsi isn't the only soft drink born in North Carolina. In 1917, a syrup company in Salisbury bottled the first serving of Cheerwine, later registering its official trademark in 1926. The company remains in the same family today.
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In 1954, the first Putt Putt Golf location was opened in Fayetteville.
There are countless other inventions that were born here in the Tar Heel State. Know of something that was created right here at home that we should feature here? Let us know by filling out this nomination form!
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