You know you love them, I know I love them. But how much do you really know about the origins of one of Philly’s signature sandwiches? Other cities may try to imitate, but the Hoagie can only truly exist in the City of Brotherly Love. So, in light of Wawa Hoagie Day, here is a look at how this delicious sandwich was brought into existence.

The history of the hoagie seems to not be set in stone and there are many legends as to how the name came to be and who started the original term. It could be a descendent from the term “hoggy” which transitioned to hoggie and then to hoagie.

Or maybe the DiCostanza family are the true hoagie-starters, which would set Philly’s Official Sandwich’s roots in Chester (?).

Another story says the sandwich is named after Big Band songwriter Hoagland Howard Hoagy Carmichael.

While the exact history may not be in written in stone, one thing is certain is that the Hoagie can only be found in Philly and nowhere else. Once you get outside of the City of Brotherly love, you’ll find the hoagie’s relatives: the poor boy, submarine sandwich (or sub), the hero, the torpedo and many more.

In celebration of this wonderful sandwich, head over to Independence Visitor’s Center to see and taste a 4.5 ton hoagie. I’ll see you there!

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Stay tuned for previews and live coverage of WAWA Welcome America! events. This post is brought to you with the support of Wawa Welcome America.Connect with WAWA Welcome America on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @July4thPhilly.