Barbecuing was one of the earliest methods of cooking known to man. The first barbecue grills were strips of wood or metal set over a fire pit dug into the ground. Ancient people gathered around these early grills for warmth and protection, as well as a chance to socialize.

American barbecue as we know it today came about in the 1800s, when cowboys learned to slow cook the tough and stringy cuts of meat they were given as payment for working on cattle drives. They found that cooking the meat over charcoal gave it better flavor and texture; the long cooking time also gave them an excuse to sit around drinking and swapping stories!

Today, barbecuing still has the same power to bring folks together that it did thousands of years ago. Tribes and times may have changed, but the pleasure of cooking a meal in the great outdoors will always stay the same. Here at bbq.us, we are dedicated to helping you connect with this wonderful tradition.