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1400
America's "Foreign" Numeral System
The most common numeral system was developed in India and lead to further development in mathematical fields. Oddly, the creation and adoption of the Hindu-Arabic numerals aren't taught in schools, resulting in skepticism from Americans ignorant to its history. Europe, and later America, converted to the system in the 15th century. -
1539
Introduction of Bacon-Hogs
Bacon is America's favorite style of pork with phrases and countless clothing designs based around the food. Pork belly was first observed in China and has since traveled westward. Hernando de Soto is credited with bringing the first hogs to America. -
1540
America's "Barbecue Belt"
An iconic American scene, barbecues are commonly held across the country. The southeastern states are known as the barbecue belt and house four distinct styles. This method of cooking was first observed by Christopher Columbus while on the island Hispaniola. Explorer Hernando de Soto may have organized the first barbecue in America. -
First Organized Picnic
Picnics were originally a French event, where they were called "pique-niques" and individuals would bring their own wine out to eat. In America, picnics were typically reserved for the upper classes until the Victorian Era. -
The Varied Uses of Parades
Parades are a French creation, and the word itself means "to prepare." Originally they were used to describe a gathering of military troops before officers. Today they're typically organized in celebration of an event or holiday. This date marks the first-ever St. Patricks Day Parade. -
Initiation of a Democratic Government
The pillar upon which American government sits, democracy, dates back to Ancient Greece. Philosopher Cleisthenes is created with it’s creation in Athens, and it turned out to be highly successful. -
Use of Fireworks
Fireworks were invented in China during the Tang Dynasty in the 9th century. They’re iconic to American holidays and were reportedly featured on America’s first Independence Day. -
The Beginning of the Western Era
The traditional American cowboys are based of Mexican ranchers called vaqueros. As ranching became popular in the the South more and more westerners adopted the style and methods of the vaqueros. -
Iconic Fast-Food
A burger with fries is THE American meal. Contrary to popular belief, hamburgers were not invented in Hamburg and french fries were actually developed in Belgium. As an increasing number of Germans immigrated to America, they carried the concept of a burger with them, and the first burger was served from a German restaurant in 1837. -
First Recorded American Baseball Game
An early version of baseball had been created sometime during the 14th century. The traditional game and rules were borrowed from the U.K. -
The Creation of the Boston Marathon
Another Greek adoption, marathons were created to commemorate the dramatic run of the legendary messenger Philippides. The Boston Marathon was first featured in the late 1800s, opened to female runners in 1972, and is the world’s oldest continual marathon. -
The Boy Scouts of America
The American Boy Scouts were influenced by Robert Baden-Powell, hailed as a hero in Britain. Boys were taught classic military skills and the organization grew rapidly. In 1909, a man from Chicago received help from a visiting scout and was so inspired he established an American base.
