Grayson West
Across the United States, states specialize in creating products that stand out for their creativity, utility, and craftsmanship. Factories and local artisans produce exciting and unique items for their region. Each state’s contribution reveals something unique about its culture and industry, which makes for an intriguing collection of goods nationwide.
Alabama: Fire Hydrants
Albertville, Alabama, is known as the “Fire Hydrant Capital of the World,” thanks to the Mueller Company. With over 160 years of expertise, Mueller commemorated its one-millionth hydrant in 1990 by installing a chrome version outside the Albertville Chamber of Commerce. These Alabama-made hydrants are vital to public safety across the nation.
Alaska: Glacial Mud Masks
Beauty lovers worldwide rave about the rejuvenating effects of Alaska’s glacial mud masks. Alaska Glacial Mud Co. has mastered turning mineral-rich mud harvested directly from the state’s towering glaciers into premium skincare. These masks are packed with natural elements that help revitalize the skin and are a luxurious nod to Alaska’s pristine environment.
Arizona: Golf Clubs
Precision golf clubs are a big part of Arizona’s booming sports manufacturing scene. PING, a company founded in the 1950s, has become a household name among golfers. Notable for their craftsmanship and innovation, PING designs their clubs in Arizona’s arid climate, where testing performance on the green is as much a part of the process as engineering the perfect swing.
Arkansas: Quartz Crystals
Arkansas is home to some of the purest quartz crystals on earth, and these gleaming gems are unearthed in the Ouachita Mountains. Coleman’s Rock Shop and Crystal Mines, one of the state’s largest mining operations, allows tourists and collectors to dig for crystals. These clear specimens are highly prized in jewelry-making and metaphysical circles worldwide.
California: Red Vines
That bright red, chewy treat from childhood, Red Vines, has been a California snack favorite for over 50 years. Sold initially as raspberry twists in the 1920s, they were rebranded as Red Vines in the 1950s and quickly outpaced black licorice in popularity. The “Original Red” flavor remains a fan favorite nationwide despite not containing licorice root.
Colorado: Tiny Houses
Tiny houses have found a thriving industry in Colorado, where companies such as Tumbleweed Tiny House Company create homes that redefine minimalist living. In 2013, Tumbleweed was certified as a small home builder. At its Colorado Springs facility, Tumbleweed produces eco-friendly, mobile accommodations. These homes, certified by the RVIA, are delivered ready to move in across the Continental U.S. and Alaska, combining functionality with charm.
Connecticut: Submarines
Submarine manufacturing has been a cornerstone of Connecticut’s industry for decades. Founded in 1899, Electric Boat, based in Groton, built the U.S. Navy’s first operational submarine, the USS Holland, in 1900. Since then, the company has remained the primary builder of submarines for the Navy, including the first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus.
Delaware: Spacesuits
Delaware might be tiny, but it’s enormously contributed to space exploration. ILC Dover, based in Frederica, has been crafting spacesuits since 1966, starting with the Apollo program. Their suits have been used in Skylab, the Space Shuttle, and International Space Station missions. Astronauts have trusted these iconic suits for decades thanks to their unmatched durability.
Florida: Datil Peppers
St. Augustine is famous for its Datil peppers, one of the rarest and spiciest varieties grown commercially in the U.S. Recognized for their sweet heat, these peppers are a local treasure in everything from hot sauces to jams. Brought to Florida by Minorcan immigrants in the 18th century, Datil peppers are grown locally by family farms that continue the tradition.
Georgia: Vidalia Onions
Grown exclusively in select regions of Georgia, these sweet Vidalia onions thrive due to the area’s low-sulfur soil and mild climate. The distinct combination of these conditions makes it the only place these famous onions can develop their distinct flavor. These onions have been cultivated since the 1930s and are a protected crop, celebrated for their mild taste and versatility in cooking.
Hawaii: Honeybees
Hawaii’s peculiar climate creates the perfect environment for honeybee farming, with Big Island Bees leading the charge. The island’s diverse flora helps its apiaries produce rare honey varieties year-round, such as lehua and macadamia nut honey. The Aloha State’s honey is sought after for its purity and distinct tropical flavors.
Idaho: Gemstones
Star garnets, found almost exclusively in Idaho besides India, are prized for their deep color and rare star-shaped patterns. The Emerald Creek Garnet area is famous for these precious gems, Idaho’s state gemstones. Collectors and enthusiasts flock to Idaho to dig for these stunning stones, which are known for their rarity and beauty.
Illinois: House Party Cups
Situated in Illinois, the Solo Cup has become a cultural icon known for its durability and ubiquitous presence at parties. Solo, founded in the 1930s in Chicago, created the now-famous red plastic cup. Offering a disposable, convenient beverage option became the go-to for gatherings across America. Solo cups are a staple of American celebrations, rooted in Illinois manufacturing.
Indiana: Heavy Duty and Recreational Vehicles
Indiana is a powerhouse that produces heavy-duty trucks and recreational vehicles. Autocar, headquartered in Hagerstown, is one of the oldest truck manufacturers in the U.S., specializing in heavy-duty trucks. Meanwhile, Elkhart is regarded as the R.V. capital of the world, with factories producing over 80% of the nation’s recreational vehicles.
Iowa: Wooden Kaleidoscopes
At the core of Pocahontas, Iowa, The Kaleidoscope Factory brings beautifully crafted wooden kaleidoscopes to life. Leonard Olson founded the factory, which has become notable for its intricate, hand-turned kaleidoscopes. After Olson’s passing in 2019, his family continued the tradition, keeping Iowa at the center of this unique, colorful art form.
Kansas: Amusement Rides
Thrilling amusement park rides have been crafted in Kansas for decades. Chance Rides, one of the world’s top manufacturers, produces everything from roller coasters to Ferris wheels. Located in Wichita, they’ve built classic rides for theme parks around the globe. Kansas, famed for its wide-open plains, also brings high-flying excitement with every ride they engineer.
Kentucky: Disco Balls
Glittering disco balls have been lighting up dance floors for generations; many are made in Kentucky. The Louisville-based company Omega National Products is one of the top manufacturers, producing these reflective orbs for nightclubs and events worldwide. It’s an unexpected but fascinating product from the Bluegrass State, adding sparkle and shine to global celebrations.
Louisiana: Wooden Quilts
In New Orleans, wooden quilts powerfully connect history and art. Artist Jean-Marcel St. Jacques, noted for his intricate, handcrafted wooden quilts, uses salvaged wood from his Hurricane Katrina-damaged home in the Tremé neighborhood. His creations honor his family’s quilting legacy and have become legendary by capturing Louisiana’s cultural richness and artistic innovation.
Maine: Outdoor Apparel
Craftsmanship and outdoor adventure come together in Maine, where durable gear and apparel have been made for over a century. Headquartered in Freeport, L.L. Bean is well-known for its rugged clothing and iconic Bean Boot, designed for explorers and adventurers. Their high-quality outdoor gear reflects the state’s deep connection to nature and love for the outdoors.
Maryland: Ouija Boards
The eerie Ouija board began production in Maryland in the late 1800s when businessman Charles Kennard of Baltimore started manufacturing the “talking board.” He and his associates, including Elijah Bond, were granted a patent in 1891, and the first Ouija boards were made in Baltimore. Over the decades, this mysterious tool has continued to spark curiosity and intrigue.
Massachusetts: Cymbals
Crafting the perfect sound has been a Massachusetts tradition since 1623, with Zildjian leading the way in cymbal production. As one of the oldest family-owned businesses in the world, Zildjian creates cymbals used by legendary musicians and orchestras. These cymbals’ distinct tone and quality have earned Massachusetts a global reputation in music.
Michigan: Petoskey Stones Jewelry
Found along Michigan’s Great Lakes shores, Petoskey stones are unique fossilized corals that date back over 350 million years. These beautiful stones, Michigan’s official state stone, are often polished and turned into jewelry. Native artisans turn them into rings, necklaces, and more, creating wearable pieces of Michigan’s ancient history that tourists and collectors cherish.
Minnesota: Bundt Cake Pans
Minnesota’s Nordic Ware has been baking up innovation since 1946. The company is famous for inventing the Bundt cake pan, a household staple that changed how cakes are made. What started as a local product quickly became a nationwide sensation by turning Minnesota into the home of the beloved Bundt pan and sparking the creativity of bakers everywhere.
Mississippi: Premium Kitchen Ranges
Cooking reaches new heights in Mississippi, thanks to Viking Range Corporation, which produces premium kitchen ranges in Greenwood. Viking’s high-performance stoves and ovens are found in kitchens worldwide, offering home cooks and professional chefs the tools they need for culinary excellence. Mississippi’s craftsmanship in these high-end appliances has set a gold standard in the kitchen industry.
Missouri: Provel Cheese
Hard to come by outside of St. Louis, Provel cheese is a beloved local staple in Missouri’s food culture. This creamy cheddar, Swiss, and provolone blend is a signature topping on St. Louis-style pizza. Though uncommon beyond the city, Provel’s smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture has made it an iconic part of the region’s dining traditions, cherished for its distinct flavor.
Montana: Handcrafted Fly-Fishing Rods
In the heart of Montana, fly-fishing is more than a pastime—it’s an art. Local artisans meticulously craft fly-fishing rods that are notable for their balance and performance in Montana’s pristine rivers. Organizations such as Sweetgrass Rods, located in Twin Bridges, produce bamboo rods that are as beautiful as they are functional.
Nebraska: Corn Husk Dolls
Generations of tradition live on through the creation of corn husk dolls in Nebraska. This beloved craft has deep agricultural roots, using dried cornhusks, a material abundant in the Cornhusker State. These simple yet elegant dolls are handmade and often used as decorations or keepsakes. The artistry behind these dolls reflects Nebraska’s rich farming heritage and its connection to the land.
Nevada: Slot Machines
Celebrated for its glittering casinos, Nevada is also home to manufacturing many of the world’s slot machines. Companies like International Game Technology (IGT), based in Reno, design and build advanced gaming machines that fill casinos across the globe. Nevada’s expertise in gaming technology makes it a global leader in the casino industry, keeping the state at the forefront of entertainment.
New Hampshire: Velcro Fasteners
Innovation thrives in New Hampshire, where Velcro USA has been manufacturing its iconic hook-and-loop fasteners for decades. The product was invented by Swiss engineer George de Mestral and found its U.S. manufacturing home in Manchester, New Hampshire. Velcro has become a universal tool used in everything from clothing to space exploration, with New Hampshire playing a pivotal role in its production.
New Jersey: Saltwater Taffy
Saltwater taffy has been a sweet treat for beachgoers along the New Jersey shore since the late 1800s. Candy shops in Atlantic City, such as Fralinger’s, produce this chewy confection in various flavors. Despite its name, no seawater is involved in its making, but the name adds charm. Saltwater taffy has become synonymous with the Jersey Shore experience.
New Mexico: Butterflies
Raising butterflies for educational and research purposes has been a thriving practice in New Mexico. Wings of Enchantment in Albuquerque was once a key player in breeding and shipping butterfly species for exhibits and conservation projects. Though currently on a break, with their butterflies now retired, New Mexico’s ideal climate remains a source of natural beauty and knowledge for these delicate creatures.
New York: Film and TV Production Equipment
Beyond its well-known role in filming, New York is also home to producing specialized film and TV equipment. Companies like ARRI, based in New York City, manufacture top-tier cameras, lighting systems, and other gear used in productions worldwide. New York’s role in the entertainment industry extends to supplying the tools that make the magic happen on screen.
North Carolina: Hosiery
Towns like Hickory and High Point have a rich history of hosiery manufacturing, where millions of socks, tights, and other items are produced yearly. From everyday essentials to specialized athletic socks, North Carolina’s mills have been outfitting the country for generations, reflecting the state’s deep roots in the textile industry.
North Dakota: Caviar
Far from the ocean, North Dakota produces some of the finest caviar in the United States. Established in the Missouri River region, North Star Caviar harvests paddlefish roe to create this delicacy. The cold, clean waters of the Missouri River, which provide ideal conditions for these fish, make North Dakota’s caviar a surprising yet luxurious product of the state’s natural resources.
Ohio: Steel Products
Steel production has driven Ohio’s economy for over a century. Manufacturers such as A.K. Steel, operating from West Chester, produce high-quality steel used in the automotive, construction, and manufacturing industries globally. Ohio’s reputation for steel manufacturing reflects its industrial strength, with steel mills continuing to supply essential materials for modern infrastructure.
Oklahoma: Tornado Shelters
In tornado-prone Oklahoma, safety comes first, thanks to the state’s thriving industry of tornado shelters. Manufacturers like Storm Safe Shelters, based in Norman, specialize in building storm shelters that can withstand the most powerful twisters. These shelters, often installed underground or within homes and offering life-saving protection, make Oklahoma a leader in extreme weather preparedness.
Oregon: Jump Ropes
Oregon’s precision-crafted jump ropes are some of the best for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The Jump Rope Store in Portland manufactures these durable ropes, which are trusted for training at even the highest levels of competition. Oregon’s active lifestyle is reflected in the ropes, designed for optimal performance and ensure quality and reliability for all jumpers.
Pennsylvania: Zippo Lighters
Since 1932, Zippo lighters have been an iconic American product manufactured in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Featuring a windproof design and backed by a lifetime guarantee, Zippo lighters are valued for their collectibility and function, with the “click” embodying reliability. Zippo’s long history and Pennsylvania roots have made the brand synonymous with quality craftsmanship.
Rhode Island: Legendary Toys and Games
Distinguished for its scenic coastlines, Rhode Island has also shaped childhood memories worldwide. In Pawtucket, Hasbro, one of the largest toy companies, is behind classics like Play-Doh, Mr. Potato Head, and G.I. Joe. Since 1923, this local powerhouse has brought countless beloved toys into homes, making Rhode Island a surprising hub of imagination and play.
South Carolina: North America’s Only Tea Garden
While South Carolina is phenomenal for its luxury yacht manufacturing, it also holds a special distinction with the Charleston Tea Garden. Located on Wadmalaw Island, it’s the only large-scale tea plantation in North America. The garden produces American-grown tea and reflects South Carolina’s agricultural history, standing as a one-of-a-kind destination in the continent.
South Dakota: Research Balloons
High above South Dakota’s open plains, research balloons float skyward, collecting valuable data for scientific studies. Raven Aerostar, based in Sioux Falls, manufactures these high-altitude balloons for weather forecasting, communications, and space exploration research. South Dakota’s contribution to scientific discovery soars as these specialized balloons carry critical instruments into the atmosphere.
Tennessee: Cast Iron
Few things are as iconic in American kitchens as cast iron skillets, and Tennessee is home to one of the most respected names in cookware—Lodge. Established in South Pittsburg in 1896, Lodge Cast Iron creates durable, versatile cookware beloved by chefs and home cooks alike. The company’s skillets, Dutch ovens, and griddles are crafted to last for generations.
Texas: Oil Drilling Equipment
In the heart of Texas, oil production and the equipment that powers it are central to the state’s economy. Operating from Houston, NOV Inc. manufactures oil drilling rigs and critical tools supporting the global energy industry. Texas’ leadership in oil production is mainly about the advanced technology that extracts this valuable resource.
Utah: Gourmet Butter
Utah has carved out a niche in the gourmet butter world with brands like Chef Shamy in Salt Lake City. These artisanal butters, known for flavors like garlic parmesan basil and cinnamon honey butter, deliver bold, rich flavors to homes nationwide. Chef Shamy’s unique butters highlight the state’s flair for culinary innovation.
Vermont: Windsor Heirloom Chairs
Handcrafted Windsor chairs highlight Vermont’s rich woodworking tradition. Skilled artisans use time-honored methods to create these timeless pieces. Sawyer Made, among others, continues to uphold the centuries-old craft, ensuring the legacy of quality and craftsmanship endures. Vermont’s deep connection to this industry reflects its dedication to preserving its artisan heritage.
Virginia: Navy Ships
Virginia’s coastline is home to two of the country’s most essential shipyards: Norfolk Naval Shipyard and Newport News Shipbuilding. Newport News, the largest in the U.S., builds massive aircraft carriers and submarines for the Navy. Norfolk Naval Shipyard, in operation since 1767, specializes in repairing and modernizing military vessels. These shipyards solidify Virginia’s essential role in national defense.
Washington: Glass-Blown Sculptures
Dale Chihuly’s legendary influence has helped turn the state into a world-renowned center for glassblowing. His studio in Tacoma produces stunning glass sculptures displayed in museums and installations worldwide. Washington’s glass art scene, led by Chihuly’s innovation, blends creativity with precision, turning molten glass into breathtaking art pieces.
West Virginia: Appalachian Dulcimers
The hauntingly beautiful sound of Appalachian dulcimers originates in the mountains of West Virginia. Regional artisans, such as those at the Appalachian Flutes and Dulcimers workshop, create these traditional stringed instruments by hand, maintaining a legacy of folk music that has echoed through the state’s hills for generations. West Virginia’s dulcimers symbolize its deep musical roots and cultural heritage.
Wisconsin: Danish Kringles
Racine, Wisconsin, is famous for its Danish Kringles, a beloved pastry that reflects the state’s rich Scandinavian heritage. These flaky, buttery treats are filled with various fruits and nuts, and they became Wisconsin’s official state pastry on June 30, 2013. Bakeries in Racine, such as O&H Danish Bakery, continue to carry the tradition of shipping Kringles nationwide to delighted fans.
Wyoming: Antler Chandeliers
In Wyoming, artisans craft naturally shed elk antlers into stunning chandeliers, adding rustic elegance to homes and lodges. These pieces, often called “antler lighting fixtures,” are crafted by skilled locals who meticulously arrange the antlers into intricate designs. Wyoming’s abundant elk population ensures a steady supply of antlers, turning nature’s cast-offs into works of art and illuminating spaces with a touch of the wild.