Today, you have an excuse to run to your favorite hamburger joint and pick up a freshly grilled burger topped with your favorite cheese, veggies, and condiments. It's National Cheeseburger day across the United States! 

The origins of hamburgers and cheeseburgers are slightly hazy, as various people claim the fame to their creations. 

One origin takes the hamburger back to Genghis Khan and his Mongol Army. They were known for tenderizing their meat between their horse and saddle then eating it raw. As this method continued development, it made its way into Russia as "Steak Tartare", or "raw meat". Eventually, through trade and customs, the meal made its way into Germany, where Germans adapted it into the Hamburg Steak. 

Sometimes cooked, sometimes not, the Hamburg Steak made its way into the United States through German immigration in the early 1900's. Here is where the hamburger, as we know it today, starts to be modified:

• In 1904, a version was introduced at the St. Louis World's Fair and became an instant and popular hit! 

• In the 1920's and 1930's, various cooks decided to start manipulating this wonderful delicacy by placing cheese, condiments, and other such items on it. A few different restaurants claim ownership over this marvelous creation.

• 1926: Pasadena, CA sandwich shop, The Rite Spot, experimented with the hamburger by placing a piece of cheese on top while it was on the grill, courtesy of owner's son, Lionel Sternberger. 

• 1928: Los Angeles based O'Dell's offered a burger smothered with chili- for only $.25! 

• 1934: Louisville, KY-based restaurant Kaelin's claims the cheeseburger was created at their restaurant.

• 1935: Denver, CO's Humpty Dumpty Drive-In suggests they own the bragging rights and trademark.

• 1930's: Exact date unknown, Steak N Shake's Founder, Gus Belt, claims he owns the "cheeseburger" trademark. 

Enjoy National Cheeseburger Day!