America’s holiday is just around the corner—and as we gear up for the Fourth, patriotic sentiments are in ample supply. From grills to guitars, America is a proud producer of many of the goods we use and consume on a daily basis. Here, we’ll highlight 10 products that are still made in the USA as we prepare to celebrate American independence this week.
Gibson Guitars
There’s nothing more American than rock ‘n’ roll! Orville Gibson began making his guitars in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1894. Gibson guitars are products that are still made in the USA, but now they hail from Nashville, Tennessee and Bozeman, Montana. Gibson produces approximately 2,500 guitars each week, which are made mostly by hand.
Weber Grills
Independence Day is the ideal time to get grilling on your American-made Weber grill. Weber has donned its iconic rounded-shaped grill since it was first designed in 1952. That’s when George Stephen Sr., an employee at Weber Brothers Metal Works in Chicago, came up with the idea for a dome-shaped grill after being inspired by the marine buoys the company was manufacturing. With the exception of some of its gas models, Weber makes its grills in Palatine, Illinois.
Airstream Campers
Who wouldn’t want to travel cross-country in an aluminum beauty like an Airstream? Not only are Airstream campers products that are still made in the USA, but they are also the oldest among luxury trailers in the country. Wally Byam came up with the idea for a portable camper in 1921, when he added a tent on top of a Model T. Eventually, the Airstream as we know it was born and stood the test of time even through the World Wars and Great Depression. Production takes place in Jackson Center, Ohio, where you can take a two-hour tour to see just how Airstreams are made.
Igloo Coolers
Hot summer days and cold drinks on ice go hand-in-hand, thanks to products like American-made Igloo coolers. Igloo has been producing coolers in the United States since 1947, when they were first designed in a small metalworking shop. Today, they are made at its factory in Katy, Texas. Igloo offers more than 500 products at hundreds of retailers around the world.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillets
Anyone who’s cooked with cast iron knows its captivating culinary qualities. Lodge cast iron skillets date back to 1896 when they were invented by Joseph Lodge. Lodge first opened The Blacklock Foundry, later to be renamed Lodge Manufacturing Company, in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Having succeeded through the World Wars and Great Depression, Lodge’s family still runs the company today.
Crayola Crayons
Crayola crayons to construction paper was every kid’s calling, thanks to these products that are still made in the USA. Crayola’s flagship factory is located in Easton, Pennsylvania, also home to the Crayola Experience. The Crayola brand was born in 1903 when company Benny & Smith noticed a need for safe and affordable wax crayons in schools. The name Crayola comes from “craie” (the French word for chalk) and “ola” (for oleaginous or oily).
Budweiser Beer
There’s no doubt that Budweiser’s red, white and blue branding is as American as it comes. Though Budweiser is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev of Belgium, the beer is still brewed in 12 U.S. breweries across 11 states. Anheuser-Busch’s legacy started when founder Adolphus Busch came to St. Louis, Missouri, from Germany in 1857 and started working at a brewing supply company. Busch married the daughter of one of his clients, Eberhard Anheuser, and the rest is history.
Louisville Sluggers
It’s America’s pastime, and it’s also all in the name. Bud Hillerich made the first pro-baseball bat for Pete Browning, whose nickname was Louisville Slugger, in 1884. According to Louisville Slugger’s website, “The 134-year history of Louisville Slugger all started with a 17-year-old playing hooky from work and choosing baseball over butter.” (You’ll have to read to find out the rest). The baseball bats are still made in Louisville, Kentucky to this day—though they are now produced by Wilson.
Burt’s Bees Products
The recognizable yellow branding cultivates a sense of comfort for these American-made personal care products. Born of a 1984-era friendship between Maine artist Roxanne Quimby and roadside honey vendor Burt Shavitz, Burt’s Bees boasts the idea that your body deserves the best nature has to offer. Burt’s Bees is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.
Slinkys
A set of stairs and a Slinky meant hours of entertainment as a kid (and even still today). One of the most successful toys in history, the Slinky was coined by naval engineer Richard James in 1945—and it came about as an accident. James was originally working to invent springs that could keep ship equipment steady at sea. Slinky is now owned by Alex Brands but is manufactured in the same facility in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. It now resides in the National Toy Hall of Fame.
Feeling patriotic yet? We sure are! Happy Fourth of July from the McNutt & Partners team!
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