There are so many reasons to love The Natural State. We’ve truly got it all: Arkansas history, natural beauty, delicious restaurants, fun attractions, and so much more. One thing invented in Arkansas that you may not be aware of is that it’s the birthplace of the Wonder Horse. Most people don’t know this classic toy by name, but as soon as you lay eyes on it, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about. Here’s the history of the Wonder Horse:

Even if you don't recognize the name, it's very likely you know the Wonder Horse. This is the iconic spring-suspended ride-on horse that just about everyone owned as a child.
randolphcomuseum.org
This toy may be recognized by the masses, but most don't know that it was invented right here in Pocahontas, Arkansas by toymaker William Baltz. Decades ago, Bill Baltz had a workshop right on the corner of Bettis and Rice Streets. Inside the confines of his workshop, he worked on a variety of projects. His favorite things to work on were toys for his children to enjoy.
Bill Baltz created the first Wonder Horse prototype back in 1939.
randolphcomuseum.org
The Randolph County Heritage Museum has plenty of information about this beloved Arkansas invention. Bill Baltz created the Wonder Horse toy for his son, Billy. He first built a toy horse large enough for Billy to ride on, and then he used springs to attach it to a simple wooden frame.
The Wonder Horse was an instant hit. The popular toy was manufactured and produced throughout the 1960s. Several different versions came out over the ensuing decades.
randolphcomuseum.org
Advertisements of the day promised that the battery-free, ride-on horses would "run for hours on the energy supplied by a few cookies." The ads even boasted about the toy's durability, stating that the Wonder Horse would "probably outlast the family car."

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Interestingly, the Wonder Horse is actually named after Arkansas! At the time of the toy's invention, the state was commonly nicknamed the Wonder State.
randolphcomuseum.org
The Wonder Horse is no longer produced, but that doesn't mean that you can't get a peek at one.
randolphcomuseum.org
A few mass production versions of the Wonder Horse are on display at the Randolph County Heritage Museum, and they're also common sights at antique shops all over the country.
Randolph County Heritage Museum/Facebook
Don't expect to see the original Wonder Horse on display at the Randolph County Heritage Museum, however. It's still in possession of the Baltz family.
randolphcomuseum.org

 

Interested in learning more about the Wonder Horse, plus other fascinating tidbits of Arkansas history? The Randolph County Heritage Museum website or Randolph County Heritage Museum Facebook page has all kinds of great information about the history of the area.

Did you know that the Wonder Horse was born right here in Arkansas? Did you own one as a kid? Do you know of any other popular things invented in Arkansas? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

The Wonder Horse isn’t the only thing the world has to thank The Natural State for. We’ve got so many iconic inventions from Arkansas that are items used every single day all over the world.

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Arkansas History

Lisa Sammons | December 22, 2022

What are some more famous things invented in Arkansas?

There are a surprising number of inventions from Arkansas! For example, did you know about the following?:

  • Walmart, first opened in 1962
  • Adding sound to film
  • Brown and serve rolls, invented in the 1930s
  • Cheese-filled hot dogs, invented in 1956

 

What are some interesting facts about Arkansas' history and nature?

There are so many great facts about Arkansas history and natural wonders:

  • Major League Baseball players used to train in Hot Springs over the off seasons.
  • Jean Laffite, a French pirate, visited what is now Arkansas back in 1816.
  • The forests in Arkansas could cover the entire country of Switzerland 1.5 times.
  • All of Greece and Puerto Rico could fit within Arkansas's borders!
  • On average, Arkansas receives about twice as much annual precipitation as California, despite being a third of the size.
  • Arkansas produces more rice than any other state.
  • There are more than 9,700 miles of rivers and streams in Arkansas.

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