10 Surprising Firsts That Wisconsin Can Proudly Claim

With the state motto “Forward,” Wisconsin is known for always progressing towards new horizons. As such, there are several inventions from Wisconsin. Plus, Wisconsin is often at the forefront of new discoveries. And to prove our point, with its motto ‘Forward,’ Wisconsin has always been at the forefront of innovation. Here are 10 Wisconsin inventions that set us apart from the rest of the country.

1. George Esterly Invents the First Harvesting Machine (1844)

You like to eat, don't ya? We made it a heck of a lot easier. In 1844, George Esterly invented the first harvesting machine. Thanks to George Esterly’s invention of the first harvesting machine in 1844. Since then, farming has become much more efficient in Wisconsin and beyond. Thank you, Esterly Hervester!

2. The Republican Party Was Founded in Ripon, Wisconsin (1854)

A group of people came together to form the Republican Party in Ripon, Wisconsin, in 1854. These Republicans were former members of the Whig Party and opposed the spread of slavery into Western territories. And the formation of the Republican Party in Ripon marked a pivotal moment in U.S. political history. Don't forget Wisconsin was at the center of this groundbreaking movement.

3. Christopher Latham Sholes Invented the Typewriter (1868)

Hardly anyone under 30 knows what a ribbon is, but if not for the typewriter, we wouldn't have word processing machines, making this one of the most important inventions from Wisconsin. In 1868, Christopher Latham Sholes invented the typewriter, revolutionizing communication and laying the groundwork for modern word processing.

4. Dr. John Carhart Built the First Steam-Powered Car (1871)

Dr. John Carhart’s steam-powered automobile in 1871 was one of the earliest steps toward modern automotive technology. Here is the fact – Dr. Carhart was a Presbyterian minister from Racine. But he was inspired to build a self-propelled vehicle due to the growing interest among many Americans. That's what pushed him to design an alternative. Dr. Carhart's invention, powered by steam, demonstrated that machines could be engineered to transport people without animal assistance.

5. How Ed Berner Created the World’s First Ice Cream Sundae (1881)

It all started when a customer asked Berner to add chocolate syrup to their ice cream. Ummmmm.... excellent idea, resulting in not just one of the best things Wisconsin did first, but one of the sweetest, too. Here is the secret – the ice cream sundae was created by simply adding chocolate syrup to ice cream. That's how that treat was made a national flavor.

6. William Horlick Invented the Original Malted Milk (1887)

And malted milk is delicious. William Horlick invented malted dairy in 1887, creating a sweet, nutritious beverage. And that's how malted milk became popular across all the states in the United States. Thanks to William Horlick, malted milk is Wisconsin's first!

7. Wisconsin Introduced the Nation’s First Numbered Highway System (1918)

Wisconsin was the first to introduce a statewide numbering system for highways – odd for north-south, even for east-west. Pretty great idea, AMIRITE? That's how the numbering system was born and adopted across the United States.

8. Wisconsin Ended Discrimination Against Women First (1921)

Thanks, Wisconsin!

In 1921, Wisconsin became the first state to pass legislation ending all legal discrimination against women, a milestone in women’s rights history. For many women, this is one of the legacies they will hold in high regard forever. Do you want to learn about the best road trips and itineraries in Wisconsin?

In addition to the above legislation, in 1982, Wisconsin was the first state in the U.S. to ban discrimination against LGBT people in housing, public accommodations, employment, and credit.

9. Hamilton Company Created the First Automatic Clothes Dryer (1935)

It's a significant improvement over hanging all your clothes outside on the clothesline! Do you know where it was first invented? It was right here in Wisconsin. That's how the Hamilton Manufacturing Company changed household chores forever.

10. Wisconsin First to Ban the Sale and Use of DDT (1970)

And the amazing part is that this list only talks about the things invented in Wisconsin – and not the multitude of things that Wisconsinites perfected. They certainly make us proud. Be sure to read more about the best places to visit in Wisconsin.

So, were you surprised by this list? Or did you already know about these Wisconsin inventions? Know of any other interesting things from Wisconsin to add to this list? Tell us through this nomination page.

Want to know more about inventions from Wisconsin? Please take a look at our past article, featuring one of the tastiest things invented in Wisconsin. While at it, when planning a trip to Wisconsin? Use our Itinerary Planner to explore historic sites, museums, and delicious local foods inspired by these firsts.