HOW A WOUNDED CIVIL WAR FIGHTER INVENTED COCA COLA
One of the most iconic American brands was actually invented by someone who served in the military. Unfortunately, they were fighting against a unified United States of America. Long ago, The man who went on to invent Coca-Cola was actually a soldier for the Confederacy. But military personnel, like most humans, are multi-faceted and complex. Such was the case for John Stith Pemberton, who would go on to create Coca-Cola as he attempted to cure an addiction tied to a wound he suffered while fighting in the Civil War. Related: 8 Inventions During the Civil War That Stood the Test of Time
When Was Coca-Cola Invented?
Coca-Cola was invented on May 8, 1886, when Dr. John Pemberton began selling his drink at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. The year Coca-Cola was invented, Dr. Pemberton, a pharmacist, would sell as many as nine beverages each day. But the internationally known iconic brand of Americana was created out of a bit of necessity, and was initially meant for a far more serious reason than simple enjoyment. Dr. Pemberton was addicted to morphine. He began abusing the substance after he was slashed in the chest by a Civil War saber. During the Civil War, messages couldn't travel nearly as quickly as they can today. No one had invented Twitter for some reason, or even cell phones. Many were still way too focused on national issues such as racial equality and a war destroying its own country at the seams, so it’s a bit understandable. So, even though Robert E. Lee had already surrendered at Appomattox Court House and the Confederate capital at Montgomery, Alabama had been taken, there were still troops fighting. News that the Union was coming to destroy Columbus, Georgia was making waves, and Confederate fighters began moving to defend the city. When the Union attacked Columbus, the man who would invent Coca-Cola, then known as Lt. Col. John Pemberton, would end up being cut in the chest with a saber. Not an ideal day, but this was war. This injury would lead to his unfortunate morphine addiction. Suggested Read: 6 Inventions Made for War That Are Now Used By Civilians The year Coca-Cola was invented, Dr. Pemberton had been looking to rid himself of his addiction. Ironically, two of the main ingredients of Coca-Cola were the coca leaf and kola nut (cola nut), which we know produce cocaine and caffeine, respectively. Nevertheless, people would become hooked on this new beverage, but for more than the obvious reasons. For only five cents, patrons would grab a glass at the local soda fountain to enjoy the new syrupy beverage for a delicious, refreshing treat. The whole story of Coca-Cola, however, would be incomplete without mentioning its marketing. It's a legacy that persists today, unlike all of the original ingredients. Dr. Pemberton's partner and bookkeeper, Frank M. Robinson, thought up the iconic name after they determined having two “c’s” would give a pleasant ring to it.
How Did John Stith Pemberton Invent Coca-Cola?
John Pemberton invented Coca-Cola by looking for a cure for his own addiction and while seeking a solution for a ban on alcohol in Atlanta. As it would happen, Pemberton would end up selling what was known as Pemberton’s French Wine Coca. Using the extract of coca and wine, it was marketed to help people relax, cure headaches, and assist with curing a number of ailments. Paris had its own similar beverage known as Vin Mariani, which was growing in popularity. With comparable success, personal need, and an opportunity thanks to the ban on alcohol, Pemberton switched up his recipe and began selling the syrup alone. Known as a brain tonic, it was a great way to enjoy a cold one without any alcohol once the syrup was mixed with soda water.
When Was John Stith Pemberton Born?
Dr. John Pemberton, the inventor of Coca-Cola was born on July 8, 1831, in Knoxville, GA, but grew up in Rome, GA for the majority of his childhood. Later in life, John would head to the Reform Medical College of Georgia in Macon, GA where he would earn a medical degree in 1850 when he was 19 years old. His career path eventually lead to him opening a drug store in Columbus, GA. Suggested Read: How Hedy Lamarr Helped the Navy & Created WiFi in the Process
How Did John Stith Pemberton Die?
Stomach cancer was John Stith Pemberton’s cause of death at the age of 57. It was August 1888 when he would pass, and today, you can find him in Columbus, Georgia, buried at Linwood Cemetery. Sadly for Dr. Pemberton, his Coca-Cola invention would become a far greater success than he could ever have imagined. Addiction and poverty would strip him of much of his assets later in life and he sold parts of his business to partners, until divesting himself of the final portion right before his death to a great businessman from Atlanta known as Asa G. Candler. Pemberton’s son Charles would continue selling the formula. The Coca-Cola Company would thrive and sadly, Charles would meet his demise six years after his father’s passing due to his own addiction to opium.
Did Coca-Cola Invent Santa Claus?
https://youtu.be/U8J5AolQZg0 No, Coca-Cola didn’t invent Santa Claus, the Dutch have been telling tales of good ol’ St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas), based on the 4th-century saint for quite some time. However, it’s undeniable to ignore the role that Coca-Cola’s marketing had in today’s modern depiction. Many cultures have their own Father Christmas interpretation, and not all of them are so jolly, but in 1931, The Coca-Cola Company would change the world after commissioning Haddon Sundblom to paint their version of Santa for ads to be used during the Christmas holidays. Rosy cheeks, white beard…you know the classic image. Many of the holiday classics became hits largely because of the way Sundblom depicted Saint Nick. Ultimately, a poem in 1822 by Clement Clark Moore known as “A Visit from St. Nicholas” aka “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” served as Sundblom’s muse, though much of the image of Santa was changed to fit Sundblom's artistic vision. So while Coca-Cola didn’t invent Santa, it did have a heavy influence on what he would become. From its humble beginnings, there is no denying that even if you prefer its rival Pepsi more, you can’t think about Americana or Christmas without the influence of the Coca-Cola Company. Read Next: How the Original Twinkie Flavor Was Changed Forever Thanks to WWII