Happy 75th birthday Monopoly!

CINCINNATI - From the dirt cheap Mediterranean Avenue to the coveted Boardwalk property—Monopoly is a family favorite and a game-night essential.

The game based on Atlantic City, New Jersey real estate is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Monopoly was the brainchild idea of Charles Darrow, an unemployed salesman from Germantown, Pennsylvania, according to about.com .

The game was introduced during the Great Depression and from there it catapulted into a stratosphere of success. Parker Brothers, the original manufacturers, rejected the idea pitched by Darrow. However, they bought into it after a suggestion was made by the wife of Robert B.M. Barton, then president of Parker Brothers, according to about.com.

Darrow would become the first millionaire as a game inventor.

Monopoly has evolved over the years and has become a culture phenomenon and an American icon. Many versions of the game have been made over the years; but, one of the most unique editions was the millennium edition, which debuted holiday season 1999—the money was transparent, it was packaged in a metal case and the game pieces matched what the future was supposed to look like.

Here are several facts about the classic game, according to Hasbro.com :

• More than 275 million games have been sold worldwide and it’s available in 111 countries and in 43 languages.
• The game catered to the visually impaired by introducing a Braille game set in the 1970s.
• During the 1950s the lantern, purse and rocking horse were removed as game pieces. They were replaced by the dog, horse and rider and wheelbarrow.
• The longest game of Monopoly lasted 70 straight days.
• During World War II, Monopoly game boards were smuggled into POW camps in Germany and included money, escape maps and compasses.
• Under The Boardwalk, a documentary about the game will debut this fall—features interviews, profiles from the top gamers and experts.
• The first World Championship Monopoly tournament was played in New York City in 1973.
• There is a World Monopoly Association for Monopoly enthusiasts.
• For the tech savvy, there are iPhone versions of the game available.
• One of the most recent versions includes a debit card so, there’s no need for cash.
• Atlantic City, built a commemorative plaque in Darrow’s honor after his death.

What are your favorite memories of playing the never-ending classic? Share them in the comment section below.