During the mid-19th century, spiritualism was growing in Europe and the United States, based on the knowledge that departed souls can interact with the living and send communication. Spiritualists of the time sought to make contact with the dead, usually through the assistance of a medium. While some early mediums worked in a trance like state, others used Spirit Boards. (Here you can learn how to use a Spirit Board / Ouija Board and hold your own seance.)

The modern talking board (Ouija board) as we know it emerged in the late 19th century and in 1890, businessman Elijah Bond patented the Ouija board. Bond, along with Charles Kennard and William H.A. Maupin, formed the Kennard Novelty Company to manufacture and market the boards. 

The term "Ouija" is believed to have different sources:  many believe the word is a simple combination of the French and German words for "yes". Others believe it is derived from an ancient Egyptian word for "good luck”.

As Spiritualism was so popular during the early 20th century, Ouija Boards quickly became a commercial success. Initially, it was marketed as a parlor game / board game, but for those  genuinely interested in spiritual communication, it became a useful tool for contacting the spirit world.