The History of Cornhole

If you’re looking for a definitive history of cornhole here, you’ll probably be sorely disappointed. Not because we don’t want to provide you with one, but because the history of cornhole seems to vary.

There are a number of stories out there – some plausible, others laughable. However, in an attempt to provide you with as complete a history of cornhole as we could, we’ve decided to include them all.

Mr. Matthias Kuepermann

Legend has it that Mr. Kuepermann, a fourteenth century cabinet maker well-known for his carpentry skills, discovered some boys tossing rocks into a ground hog’s hole.

Mr. Kuepermann was concerned for the well-being of the boys selected to fetch the stones at the hole’s edge. He surmised that eventually one of them would get a good head knocking due to the stones flying through the air – and the inaccuracy with which the boys tossing them aimed. Thusly he set about designing a safer game for them to enjoy.

At this time in history, corn was utilized as a weight because it was in great abundance. He noted the bags of corn and determined they’d make a less dangerous projectile for the boards he ultimately designed. Since corn was being tossed into a hole, the name seemed appropriate and stuck.

Native American Roots

Another possibility revolves around ancient civilizations, presumably tribesmen, also tossing rocks into holes. In fact, some scholars suggest that a game of a very similar nature was played amongst Native Americans in Midwest America. They filled pigs’ bladders with dried beans and competitively tossed them for entertainment – notably the Blackhawk tribe in Illinois. Americans are definitely keen on claiming its origination, which leads us to the most popular storylines.

Cincinnati or Kentucky

Cincinnati natives will assure you that cornhole gets its origin from the Porkopolis (Cincinnati’s nickname). There’s no doubt that it is extremely popular there. However, there’s also no proof that this is where cornhole got its start. The biggest supporting factor goes back to Mr. Matthias Kuepermann’s story, namely because he has some Germanic background and Cincinnati has a large German population.

The story is that German immigrants, having left their beloved homes, brought with them the sport that Kuepermann perfected. They settled in Ohio and reintroduced the game then. There, it took off among bar patrons.

Unfortunately, the people hailing from Kentucky beg to differ. They claim instead that those living in the foothills during pioneer times initiated the game.

Kentuckian claims are supported by the Midwestern farmer story. This says that in the early nineteenth century, Jebediah Magillicutty started the game. However, those in Kentucky find the name cornhole offensive and prefer to refer to it as “Hillbilly Horseshoes” or “Bags.” Sadly, just like every other story provided, there is no definitive proof here either.

In Summation

While we cannot find definitive proof for the origins of cornhole, when cornhole was invented, or where cornhole was invented, we can tell you that its popularity is sweeping the nation, all the way to pro cornhole on ESPN.

Bars and pubs are instituting regular cornhole tournaments, people are using cornhole as a marketing event and yes, there’s even cornhole in gym class. The truth is, you cannot escape the phenomenon that is cornhole and our guess is, you don’t want to.

Today cornhole is a fixture at tailgates and in backyards, too. The corn-filled cloth bags of the past have given way to durable canvas bags filled with plastic pellets, but the simple, social fun has never changed. New to the game? Start with the official cornhole rules.

Be sure to check out the historically awesome selection of cornhole essentials available in our online store.