How did the eight queens problem become a famous combinatorial puzzle?

The eight queens problem became a famous combinatorial puzzle primarily because it was posed during the 19th century as a recreational mathematical challenge.1

While many combinatorial problems have roots in early history—such as magic squares or the work of Leonhard Euler on Latin squares—the 19th century saw a surge in interest in problems that were framed as purely recreational. These puzzles, including the eight queens problem and the Kirkman schoolgirl problem, gained popularity as mathematicians explored the boundaries of combinatorics through these engaging, accessible scenarios.1

Unlike formal chess composition, which focuses on strategic stipulations like "mate in two," the eight queens problem challenged mathematicians to determine how to place eight queens on a standard chessboard such that no two queens threaten each other. This blend of recreational interest and logical complexity helped cement its status as a classic problem in the field.21