The History of Cornhole: From Farm Fields to Backyard BBQ's

You may be wondering why you should learn the origin and history of cornhole. After all, it's just a game, right? Well, not everyone sees it that way. For some people, Cornhole is a passion. A way to connect with friends and family. A way to forget about the stresses of life for a while and just have some fun. Here are just a few reasons why you might want to learn more about this popular game:

  • It's a great way to spend time with friends and family.
  • It helps you bond with friends and family.
  • Similar to many other games, it keeps you active.
  • The game can help to improve your hand-eye coordination.
  • Improves your strategic thinking skills.
  • Helps to improve your problem-solving skills.
  • It's a great way to relieve stress.
  • It's an awesome way to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air.
  • Easily meet new people and make new friends.
  • And, last but not least, it's just plain fun!

So, now that you know why you should care about the history of cornhole, let's dive in and learn more about this popular game.

The Documented History of Cornhole

People often don't know how to play cornhole because they don't understand the game's origins and history. Some people also don't understand the rules of the game, which can lead to challenges when playing. Additionally, some people find it difficult to get into the game because they don't have any friends or family who play. Finally, some people find it difficult to find tournaments in their area. All of these factors can be remedied by learning about the game's history and origins. Additionally, once you understand the game better, it will be easier for you to continue down the rabbit hole.

an old book about cornhole

Cornhole, also known as Corn Toss, Bean Bag Toss, Soft Horseshoes, or Indian Clubs, is a popular lawn game in which players take turns throwing bean bags at a raised platform (board) with a hole in the far end. The object of the game is to score points by landing the bean bag on the platform or in the hole. A Cornhole bag that goes through the hole is worth 3 points, while a bag that lands on the platform is worth 1 point. The game is typically played with teams of 2, but can also be played with larger teams. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

The Origin of Cornhole

The game of Cornhole is thought to have originated in Germany, although there is no definitive evidence to support this claim. The first recorded mention of the game was in the diary of Johann Beckmann, a German writer and inventor, in 1786. In his diary, Beckmann described a game called "Kornhuls," which is thought to be the earliest known mention of Cornhole.

The game is also thought to have origins in ancient Egypt, as there are hieroglyphics that depict a similar game being played. Additionally, Native Americans have been playing a game called "Paiute Golf" for centuries, which is also thought to be the precursor to Cornhole. Paiute Golf is played with two sticks and a small hole in the ground, and the object of the game is to toss objects into the hole using the sticks. Here is another great article that has even different opinion on the History of Cornhole.

The Popularity of Cornhole

The game of Cornhole began to gain popularity in the United States in the early 1900s. The first recorded mention of Cornhole in the United States was in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1903. The game is thought to have arrived in Cincinnati via German immigrants who settled in the area. The game quickly gained popularity in the Midwest, particularly in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.

The first known Cornhole tournament was held in Cincinnati in 1927. The tournament was organized by two Cincinnati businessmen, Joel Cornett and Frank Geers. The tournament was a success, and Cornhole quickly began to gain popularity as a competitive sport.

vintage photo of women playing cornhole

Over the years, Cornhole has continued to grow in popularity, both as a competitive sport and as a recreational pastime. The game is now played all over the world, with professional tournaments being held in many countries. The game has even been featured on television, with the ESPN Cornhole World Championship being televised annually.

The first known use of the term "Cornhole" was in a 1957 issue of Sports Illustrated. In the article, the author described a variation of the game played at the University of Kentucky. The game continued to grow in popularity on college campuses across America throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

The game really took off in the 1990s, when it began to be played at tailgating parties before football games. The popularity of the game has only continued to grow in recent years, specially since it was featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and in the movie Dumb and Dumber. The game has even caught the attention of professional sports teams, with several Major League Baseball and National Football League teams hosting Cornhole tournaments for their fans.

There are now many professional Cornhole organizations, such as the American Cornhole League (ACL) and the National Cornhole Association (NCA). These organizations host tournaments across the United States, with the ACL hosting the annual Cornhole World Championships.

Celebrities Who Play Cornhole

While cornhole is often thought of as a game played by tailgaters and beer-drinkers, there are actually quite a few celebrities who enjoy playing the game. Below are some of the most famous celebrity cornhole players:

Jimmy Fallon - The Tonight Show host is a big fan of Cornhole, and has even featured the game on his show.

Drew Brees - The New Orleans Saints quarterback is a Cornhole enthusiast, and even has his own customized set.

Cameron Diaz - The actress is a big fan of the game, and was even spotted playing Cornhole at a party in 2012.

Will Ferrell - The comedian is a Cornhole enthusiast, and even has his own line of Cornhole boards with his face on them.

George Clooney - The actor is a big fan of the game, and has publicly spoken about it many times.

Eva Longoria - The actress is a big fan of the game, and was even spotted playing Cornhole at a tailgate in 2018.

There are numerous other celebrities who have indulged in this great game, so stay tuned for updates to this post as we come across more famous people who love the great game of cornhole.

Why Learn The History of Cornhole

The game of Cornhole has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the Midwest. The game is now played all over the world, by both celebrities and everyday people. The history of any game is important, as it can teach us many things. The history of Cornhole is no exception, as it can teach us about the game's origins and how it has become a popular tailgating and backyard game.

The game has a long history, and continues to grow in popularity. There are now many professional Cornhole organizations, such as the American Cornhole League (ACL) and the National Cornhole Association (NCA). These organizations host tournaments across the United States. You can also find more information about the game's history and how to play on the ACL website. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us as the team at Skip's Garage is passionate about the game of cornhole, so we are willing to help in any way that we can! You can also browse our Cornhole Store or head back to The Ultimate Guide to Cornhole.