Washington has introduced several notable inventions to the world along with other Washington firsts you may not be aware of. After all, you can thank us for Pickleball that has taken the country by storm. But there are so many more things invented in Washington state that will surprise you. Here are 10 Washington state inventions that might help to improve your score on trivia nights.
1. After Prohibition, we opened the first Brew-Pub in the U.S.
Yakima Brewing & Malting Co., also known as Grant's Brewery Pub, opened in 1982 and was the first in the country after Prohibition ended.
Learn a little more about Yakima Brewing & Malting Co. and its founder Bert Grant in this video from WashingtonBeerTV:
2. We were the first to broadcast news in HD!
KOMO TV was the first station in history to broadcast daily local news in digital high definition television (HDTV) in May 1999 to the Seattle area.
3. Washington is home to the first floating bridge.
The Lacey V. Murrow Bridge carries the eastbound lanes of I-90 across Lake Washington and is the first floating concrete bridge in the world.
4. In 1926 Bertha Landes was elected mayor of Seattle, which made her the first female mayor of any major American city.
She served as mayor from 1926 to 1928 and pushed for civil service hiring, the city’s first traffic code, and tighter regulation of nightlife.
Watch this video from the Seattle Channel talking about Bertha Landes, the first female mayor of Washington:
5. We had the first Red Robin!
The first location of many opened here in our state and has served up some appetizing burgers since it was founded in 1969.
6. Speaking of deliciousness...we also created the first Cinnabon.
In 1985 the first location opened at the SeaTac Mall and the only option on the menu was the "Cinnabon Classic" cinnamon roll.
7. The first shopping mall in the United States was the Northgate Mall in Seattle.
While you're shopping here, a trip to Red Robin for a burger is never a bad idea.
8. Washington was the first state to allow ballots to be e-mailed to our military and overseas voters.
Every vote counts - especially residents who are actively serving in the military!
9. The first Costco Warehouse was opened here.
In 1983, the first warehouse club store was opened in Seattle where you could find great deals on bulk items.
10. Washington was the first state to pass a law banning texting while driving.
Not only is this illegal, but also highly dangerous. It can wait!
For even more Washington fun, watch this video featuring 101 facts about Washington:
We were also the first to celebrate Father's Day - in Spokane - as we detailed in our inventions in Washington article! This state is so innovative... what are some other things invented in Washington state that you've heard about? Or tell us about your favorite things about living in Washington state.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/washington/wa-inventions/
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!