California Firsts: The Famous, Infamous, and Quirky of the Golden State

What would Americans do without California? Well, for one thing, they wouldn't have so much fun—after all, California is the birthplace of the Frisbee, Barbie dolls, skateboards, and video arcade games. And they wouldn't eat so well: we can thank the Golden State for such goodies as Popsicles, McDonald's hamburgers, canned tuna fish, and even fortune cookies. And they would probably be working and learning a little more slowly if Silicon Valley, the birthplace of the personal computer, didn't exist.

Now, if you just let go of your computer mouse, put down your martini, and slip into your Jacuzzi (all California originals), you'll enjoy learning about some other California "firsts." Technology, aviation, transportation, religion, fashion, entertainment—California has produced firsts in all of these areas, and many more. And most of the developments have taken place only since the mid-nineteenth century—another golden achievement for the Golden State.

About the Author

Teri Davis Greenberg, a native Californian, is a freelance writer, editor, poet and songwriter. She lives with her family in Southern California's Santa Clarita Valley, near the site of the nation's first gold rush.