Despite not knowing the origin of the pool table's invention, it is undisputed that the game has been around for many years. The earliest record of the game dates back to 1500s Northern Europe. It was loved by all ages. It has remained very popular in the United States over many years.
Pool was originally played on grass or a board that had a hole in its middle. It was played on object balls that were numbered between one and fifteen. It was similar in nature to croquet except that the player would shove the ball rather then strike it. People started using a wooden stick, called a "mace", to strike the ball in the 1600s.
The game was enhanced with the additions of a cuestick, wooden hoop, as well the balls. The game was very popular in Europe and spread quickly to the United States. However, the game did not become popular until the Industrial Revolution.
The history of the game's development is unclear, though there are many individuals who played a part in it. First, the indoor billiards table was invented by King Louis XI (France). The game was also popular in England and became more popular after the Industrial Revolution. The French nobility loved the game.
In the 1840s, the game quickly became a favorite sport and was brought to the United States. Many of the earliest settlers brought the game with them to America, and tournaments were held all over the country. The game became more popular in better saloons. However, the equipment was costly and prohibitive for lower income people.
The history of the game was complicated further when ivory was used as a ball material. Ivory was initially made from elephant trunks. Ivory gained popularity in the 17th century. However, it was not indestructible and could crack when subjected to excessive force.
In 1920s, the original pool balls made of ivory were replaced by a different ball material. This new ball material was made from a mixture of nitrocellulose and camphor, and it could explode when struck with extreme force.
This new material was known as a composite ball. Although it wasn't as stable as ivory, the nitrocellulose was an affordable alternative. The stick and hoop were finally abandoned after a while. A leather tip was added to the cue tip, which made it easier to hit balls.
It continued to evolve and, in the late 1800s it became a popular game in the United States. John Wesley Hyatt (a billiards gamer) invented a ball out of camphor, nitrocellulose, and in the late 1870s. This ball material was unstable, and it could explode if hit with extreme force.
Another significant figure in the game's development was Michael Phelan, a successful pool player. Phelan, whose father immigrated from Ireland into the United States in 1883 and Michael followed him to the pool hall trade, was born in Ireland. He wrote a book on the subject of pool that inspired new generations to leave behind ivory balls and moved to the table.