cornhole history facts

Cornhole History: How and When Was It Invented?

Cornhole is an exciting game for summer outdoor events.

Most of you might only be interested in playing the game because of the fun that comes with it.

However, it would be more enjoyable if you learn a bit of history about cornholes.

Aren’t you curious to know why it is called cornhole and not something like piehole?

This post will enlighten you on this and much more so keep reading.

How and When Cornhole Was Invented?

Unsurprisingly, no one really knows how and when cornhole was invented. This isn’t new because most recreational games out there have a murky history.

On doing research, many legends and assumptions revolve around this game.

The answers you get on the origin of cornhole entirely depends on who you pose the question to. Some people believe that the Blackhawk tribe of the Native American invented cornholes.

Those who discovered this say that the players filled up pigs’ bladders with dried beans. They would then toss them around as competition.

Another lot says that cornhole was first discovered in Cincinnati. Don’t get confused just yet because there is more to learn about cornhole from Cincinnati.

The people here filled bags with kernels and tossed them into plywood holes. Most people believe in this theory because cornhole is very popular in this region.

History does not end there. You will hear stories of a man called Jebediah from Kentucky.

Some people say he was the great mind behind the cornhole game.

His main aim was to enjoy with his family and friends. However, I believe the game would have been more popular in this region if at all, the story is true.

With all these stories out there, the most popular one is that cornhole originated from Germany.

This was after a cabinet maker discovered some boys tossing rocks inside holes they had dug on the ground.

Being a thoughtful person, Matthias Kuepermann came up with an idea of improving the safety of the game.

He filled some burlap bags with dry corn and made boxes from wood where the bags were tossed.

With all these stories spreading, the game became popular. However, corn prices went up in Europe, and this affected the game.

Then in the 1800s in America, German immigrants began playing the game since corn was in plenty. This is how cornhole spread in Cincinnati.

Cornhole History Fun Facts

I know you have heard lots of stories above.

From this history, some facts will enlighten you on cornhole game.

  1. Cincinnati is known as the capital of cornhole game. This is because the residents of this city play cornhole more often than any other place.
  2. Cornhole is too enticing that there is a movie bearing that title. It is in the mockumentary genre and bases its theme on this game.
  3. The winning team is the one that gets 21 points first.
  4. You might find that the game goes by another name, depending on your location.
  5. Alternative names for cornhole include dummy boards, bean bag toss, dad hole, doghouse, baggo or bags.

How Popular Is Cornhole Today?

Cornhole has continued to spread all over the world. This game has taken turns and tosses with plans to make it better.

At first, a toy manufacturing company in Massachusetts bought cornhole rights. The rebranded it and came up with a version they called Faba Baga.

However, this game is different from the modern version. It features two holes which are different in size. The holes have varying points as well.

The popularity didn’t stop there. The popular mechanics magazine did an article on how to make the cornhole boards in 1974.

Later in the years, the game was known in various places such as Illinois, Chicago and northwest Indiana.

Other than being prevalent in most parts of the world, the game has also undergone tremendous changes.

The materials have changed insider to make the game safer and more durable.

Manufacturers are using wooden regulation boards. Others make cornhole boards from composite material.

This has dramatically minimized the cost of this game; therefore, more people can afford to buy.

On the other hand, players don’t use corn anymore. Manufacturers have replaced the corn with plastic and resin pellets.

This has improved the whole cornhole game experience because these materials can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Also, the materials make it easy to clean the nags when they catch dirt. So, these improved cornhole necessities elevate the durability.

Therefore, you can have as much fun for a long time.

Conclusion

If you are an outdoor games enthusiast, you should consider the cornhole game.

It is easy to play, safe for kids and can be played throughout the year.

Cornhole game is also affordable, so you don’t have to break a bank to purchase the set.