Some People Don’t Know These 9 Things Came From Kansas

What do prostitutes, carbonated frozen beverages, and the world's most famous rodent all have in common? (No, this isn't a dirty joke...) These people and items are all related thanks to Kansas inventors and entrepreneurs. Listed below are nine Kansas inventions you might not have known are from the Sunflower State.

1. ICEE

Invented by a Dairy Queen owner in Coffeyville, The ICEE Company has been shelling out brain freezes and sugar highs since 1958.

2. Helicopter

This versatile aircraft was invented by Goodland natives William Purvis and Charles Wilson in 1909.

3. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

I have to mention Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers because my parents love it. The chain was founded in Wichita in 2002.

4. Red Light District

Dodge City was once known as the red light district, a well-known prostitution district during the 19th century.

5. Helium

I guess you can also say that Kansas invented birthdays and a child's laughter. The substance was discovered after an oil drilling operation in 1903 in Dexter.

6. The Coleman Company

The Coleman Company is currently headquartered out of Wichita and has been selling their gasoline pressure lamps since 1900.

7. Mickey Mouse

"It was all started by a mouse." And that mouse came to be at Walt Disney's Laugh-O-Gram Studio building in Kansas City. Side Note: It was Kansas City, Missouri, but it has Kansas in the name so we're taking credit.

8. Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut invented stuffed crust, and the first Pizza Hut was founded in Wichita. Therefore, Kansas invented stuffed crust pizza. You're welcome!

9. White Castle

This one actually really surprised me, seeing as though there isn't even a White Castle in Kansas. America's favorite slider was founded in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas.

Did any of these Kansas inventions surprise you? If so, please let us know in the comments below.