You know that old saying that everything is bigger and better in Texas? There's a lot of truth to that statement even though Alaska is the largest state in the United States. However, Texas still remains the largest state in the contiguous 48 states.  Did you know that some of the best things in America started right here in the Lone Star state? Let's take a look at the 5 things in Texas you may have not known about.

Super Bowl Name

First of all, you can credit Dallas businessman Lamar Hunt for coining the phrase "Super Bowl," which was actually named after a Super Ball -- a toy his kids used to play with. When the NFL and the AFL decided to merge with a championship game between the two leagues in 1966, the Super Bowl name was picked up by the media and eventually became the official name for the biggest game of the season, according to Wikipedia.

7- Eleven Stores

When I was kid growing up in Texarkana you couldn't go anywhere in this town without seeing a 7- Eleven convenience store on just about every block. So the next time you're sipping on a Slurpee think, 7- Eleven that's where they all started. Eventually, 7- Eleven stores when out of business here but they're still around in other major cities including Dallas, Texas its headquarters.

Dr Pepper Origins

I love Dr Pepper and always have. Once again, we have Texas to thank for the inventor of Dr Pepper. Pharmacist Charles Alderton of Waco. Texas who worked at an old corner drug store, concocted the soft drink that boasted 23 unique flavors in the 1880s. In fact, the U.S. Patent Office claims December 1, 1885 as the first time the popular soft drink was served. Say it with me, "I'm a Pepper You're a Pepper Wouldn't You Like to be a Pepper, Too?"

Birth of Microchip

If you have a computer, iPad, cell phone or any type of electronic device, chances are it has a microchip in it. Texas is the birthplace of the microchip, thanks to Texas Instruments who hired the developer Jack Kilby to come up with something that would pack multiple transistors that regulate current in a circuit onto a single, tiny chip.

Automated Teller Machine

The next time you pull up to an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) to conduct your business you can thank the state of Texas for allowing you to do more than just withdraw cash. Even though New York may have invented the ATM you could only withdraw cash. It wasn't until a Dallas native Donald Wetzel made one that actually let you deposit money, obtain your account balance and do other transactions. Today ATMs have become the most popular ways in which to handle business on a regular basis.

Other things that started in Texas worth mentioning include Fritos, chili, and breakfast tacos. Plenty of reasons why you just have to love Texas.