In the nineteenth century, Indiana implemented strict ‘blue laws’ designed to safeguard Sundays for rest and worship. These laws also targeted alcohol and unexpectedly, hot dogs. Indiana’s approach gained attention for an additional reason: it marked the first recorded use of the term ‘hot dog’ in American print.
On September 14, 1884, the Evansville Courier & Press noted that ‘even the innocent wienerworst man will be barred from dispensing hot dog on the street corners.’ During this time, various German sausages like weisswurst, bockwurst, and blutwurst grew in popularity, embedding themselves in American culture.
Bruce Kraig, author of Hot Dog: A Global History, explains that hot dogs became closely linked with American ballparks by the 1890s. The connection deepened with events like the famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in New York, which tied hot dogs to the nation’s birthday.
The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council identifies 19 regional hot dog varieties in the United States. Examples include the french-fry topped Cleveland ‘Polish boy,’ the bacon-wrapped Sonoran dog, and the well-known Chicago dog with its traditional toppings on a poppy seed bun.
Beyond regional variations, hot dogs also took part in international relations or ‘hot dog diplomacy.’ The U.S. National Archives notes a historic moment when, as World War II neared, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth became the first reigning British royals to visit America. President Roosevelt, despite disapproval from his mother, served them hot dogs. The king reportedly asked for more, according to The New York Times.
President Kennedy famously enjoyed a hot dog while watching an American League opener in 1963, staying for the entire game. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev tasted his first American hot dog during a tour in 1959, even commenting that the U.S. excelled in sausage-making.
Cuban Prime Minister Fidel Castro also sampled hot dogs during a U.S. visit at the Bronx Zoo. Globally, hot dog enthusiasts cherish their unique styles. Gloria Ousset of Argentina recalled her favorite hot dog’s crunch during a visit to Walter’s Hot Dogs in New York.
Hot dogs took on artistic roles as well. In 2024, artists Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw installed a 65-foot hot dog sculpture in Times Square, which daily released confetti at noon.
In 2023, Jamie Loftus, a comedy writer and podcaster, released her book ‘Raw Dog: The Naked Truth about Hot Dogs.’ She traversed the country visiting hot dog stands and found the hot dog symbolized American joy and nostalgia. Jamie’s exploration highlighted both positive and negative aspects of this iconic food.
This article is part of the series ‘American Objects,’ which commemorates 250 years of the United States.