What is your city known for?
There's a Toilet Paper Capital of the World (here in the USA)?
From toilet paper to corn cob pipes to farm toys, all across the U.S., many small towns have long taken pride in being the "world capital" of something—sometimes expected, sometimes completely surprising. Whether it’s about local history, a booming industry, or just a clever marketing move, each one has its own story. Let’s take a tour of 12 of the most memorable "capitals" around.
Image: Alexas_Fotos
1
Toilet paper capital of the world
It may sound like a peculiar thing to be proud of, but if the first splinter-free toilet paper in the world had been created in your town, chances are you would be just as delighted by this local achievement.
Until the early 1900s, cheap mail-order publications were the economical wipe of choice. But in 1935, a Green Bay paper producer developed a method of "linenizing" paper, which made toilet paper both softer and "splinter-free."
Image: Erik Mclean
2
Leap year capital of the world
While it might seem like a good reason, the twin towns of Anthony, New Mexico, and Anthony, Texas, were not actually founded on February 29.
In 1988, a member of the local Chamber of Commerce who had a February 29 birthday proposed a community festival on that date . Since then, the celebration has grown each year to include events and a popular parade.
Image: Waldemar
3
Earmuff capital of the world
Earmuffs are essential in cold climates, and the citizens of Farmington, Maine, are well aware of this. That’s why the town celebrates Chester Greenwood Day every first Saturday in December, honoring the local inventor of the handy device.
Image: Jad M.
4
Lost luggage capital of the world
Did you know that all lost and unclaimed luggage from U.S. airlines ends up in a single location? Scottsboro, Alabama, is home to the Unclaimed Baggage Center , which, since 1970, has sold, donated, or recycled these items for the public, making it the only lost-luggage retailer of its kind in the country.
Image: Marija Zaric
5
Speed capital of the world
If speed is the measure by which a place is judged, being called the "world capital of speed" might not be such an unreasonable claim. Northwestern Utah is home to a massive, 30,000-acre expanse of barren salt flats where the Bonneville Speedway is located.
This stretch is used for extreme motorsports, and several land speed records have been set here, earning the area its famous title.
Image: Marc-Olivier Jodoin
6
Shark attack capital of the world
This infamous title goes to New Smyrna Beach, Florida. According to the International Shark Attack File—a scientifically verified database of global shark attacks—this town is indeed the Shark Attack Capital of the World, and anyone who has swum here has likely been within 10 feet of a shark.
Fortunately, shark attacks along this central Florida coastline rarely prove fatal, and the number of incidents has declined in recent years, likely due to changing migration patterns of the blacktip shark.
Image: Wai Siew
7
Barbed wire capital of the world
Barbed wire was not invented in La Crosse, Kansas, but it certainly plays a significant role in the town’s history. Much of this product passed through the midwestern town after its invention in the late 1800s, becoming an important part of La Crosse’s settlement and agricultural development.
By the 1960s, La Crosse had become a major hub for barbed wire collectors , leading to the establishment of the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum .
Image: Daniel Eledut
8
Corn cob pipe capital of the world
While pipes may not be as ubiquitous as they once were, corn cob pipes are even rarer these days. But in Washington, Missouri, these corncob products are still a popular item.
In 1869, a local woodworker invented the pipe , and its success led to a whole roster of corn cob pipe manufacturers. Today, the only factory in the world still solely dedicated to making these pipes is located in Washington, Missouri.
Image: Daniel Gregoire
9
Decoy capital of the world
It took a lot of wooden ducks to earn this town the title of Decoy Capital of the World. At one point, more wooden ducks and geese were carved here than anywhere else on Earth.
Originally used strictly to lure waterfowl for hunters, these decoys have since become collectors’ items and treasured works of art. In 1986, the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum opened to preserve the town’s historical and cultural legacy.
Image: Susan Weber
10
Carpet capital of the world
If you think most carpets are still made in the Middle East, think again. Approximately 90% of the world’s carpet comes from the city of Dalton, Georgia . More than 30,000 people are employed in its massive carpet industry—impressive considering the city’s population is just under 35,000.
Image: Juli Kosolapova
11
Cow chip throwing capital of the world
If tossing a piece of dried cow manure like a Frisbee sounds like your idea of fun, Beaver, Oklahoma, is the place to be. Every April, the town hosts the world’s largest cow chip throwing competition.
Image: Jonas Koel
12
Farm toy capital of the world
Farm toys may disappear once there are no kids in the house—but not in Dyersville, Iowa, the Farm Toy Capital of the World. This town is home to the National Farm Toy Museum , which houses the largest collection of its kind and attracts approximately 30,000 visitors each year.
Image: tommao wang
