Who Invented the Potato Chip? The potato chip's origin traces back to 1853 at Moon's Lake House in Saratoga Springs, New York, where it's popularly credited to chef George Crum (born George Speck), a man of African American and Native American heritage. This enduring legend arose from a frustrated diner—often named Cornelius Vanderbilt—who kept sending back thick French fries, prompting Crum to slice potatoes paper-thin, fry them crisp, and salt them heavily as a sly comeback. Surprisingly, the diner loved them, dubbing them "Saratoga Chips," and they quickly became a menu staple.

The Legendary Tale

Picture this: It's a bustling summer evening in 1853 at the elegant Moon's Lake House resort. Wealthy patrons flock to Saratoga Springs for its mineral springs and fine dining. Chef George Crum, known for wild game and experimental flair, faces a picky customer complaining about soggy, thick fries. In a fit of kitchen rebellion, Crum grabs his knife, shaves potatoes razor-thin (too thin for a fork, he thinks), fries them in hot fat until golden, and sprinkles on salt. Back to the table they go—and boom, instant hit. Other diners clamor for the crunchy novelty, sparking the "Saratoga Chip" craze.

Crum later opened his own spot in 1860, baskets of chips on every table, serving elites like the Vanderbilts at fancy prices. This story, romanticized in obituaries and magazines (earning Crum the nickname "Edison of Grease"), turned a spiteful snack into American lore.

Rival Claims and Family Ties

Not so fast—multiple voices challenge Crum's solo spotlight. His sister, Kate Wicks (or "Aunt Kate"), who worked alongside him, claimed the chip was born accidentally: a thin potato sliver slipped into the fryer while peeling, which Crum tasted and loved. Her 1886 obituary at age 103 credited her as the inventor, and her grandson backed it in 1932.

Others enter the fray:

  • Hiram S. Thomas, a Black hotelier who ran Moon's later, got obit nods in 1907 as the creator.
  • Some whisper pre-1853 cookbook recipes for fried potato slices existed, suggesting no single "eureka" moment.
  • Local lore even fingers various cooks or the Moons (restaurant owners).

Crum himself never boasted about it—odd for his bold personality—and chips weren't listed at his restaurant. Historians like Dave Mitchell conclude the true originator at Moon's Lake House may stay forever foggy.

Claimant| Key Story| Evidence Strength
---|---|---
George Crum| Spite-sliced for Vanderbilt| Popular legend, obits, Britannica 17
Kate Wicks| Accidental fryer drop| Family accounts, her obit 310
Hiram Thomas| Later Moon's manager| 1907 obit claim 9
Unknown cooks| Pre-existing thin fries| Cookbooks, no single proof 1211

Why the Debate Persists

Culinary myths thrive on drama, and potato chips fit perfectly: humble spud to global obsession (Americans munch 1.5 billion pounds yearly). No patents or menus confirm 1853 as "ground zero," and thin-fried potatoes appeared in recipes decades earlier. Yet Saratoga popularized them commercially—packaged "Saratoga Chips" sold regionally by the 1860s.

Modern takes, like a 2025 article, call the spite story oversimplified, urging credit for the whole kitchen crew. Forums buzz with low-stakes conspiracies, loving the fabrication angle. No recent "latest news" flips the script; it's still Crum-centric in pop culture.

Chip Legacy Today

From that resort gimmick exploded a $7+ billion U.S. industry. Innovators built on it: Earl Wise mass-produced in 1921; Laura Scudder invented wax bags in 1926; flavors hit in the 1950s. Fun fact: WWII kept factories open as "essential food." As of 2026, Super Bowl chip feasts top 11 million pounds.

TL;DR: George Crum gets the nod for the 1853 Saratoga legend, but his sister Kate and others share the crisp credit—proving great snacks, like great stories, often have messy origins.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.