The Origin of Cornhole

The Origins of Corn Hole
Cookouts, tailgates, and a numerous variety of outdoor festivities include games such as horse shoe, volleyball, and badminton. However, there is a “new” game gaining quick popularity and becoming a party favorite: corn hole.Corn hole is fun, addictive, and highly competitive— but where in the world did the game come from?

A quick internet search will give you a variety of answers, but all of which will tell you that this growing fad is far from new. A very popular theory circulating cookouts and family gatherings about the origins of corn hole is one believing that the game came from Native Americans. The theory goes on to detail how they believe the Native Americans made the game; it is believed that the Native Americans would fill pig bladders with dried corn or beans and throw them around as means of entertainment. There’s several other stories, such as the one that describes a very weary farmer that coined the game in his barn to help ease the boredom of rural life as well as pass the time with family and friends. And another that believed it came from Germany— and as far as the research goes, is seems as though they are correct.

Dating back to perhaps the 1400s, there are stories about young boys throwing rocks at holes as a sort of game. However, the safety of the boys playing the game was called into question. So, the rocks were traded in for small burlap bags of corn. However, the first known games of corn hole were short lived as local prices on corn raised to a price that the boys could not afford to play the game anymore. Of course, the game made a comeback.

During German immigration in the 1800s, the German immigrants brought their family-friendly game to the United States. Corn was much cheaper in the United States, making the game economically friendly to play. Ever since, the fun yard game has grown vastly in popularity; the game becoming a staple of community events and family gatherings.
While there is some speculation that the game could possibly trace back to ancient civilizations, the German theory has been the one that seems to be the one with the most evidence. No matter the origin, the game has traveled far and wide, bringing fun to families all over the United States as well as Europe.

Reference
Cascioli, Diane. "How the Tailgate Game “Corn Hole” Got Its Name." Spoon University. N.p., 06 Oct. 2014. Web. 19 June 2016.