The Sad True Story Behind John Pemberton and the Invention of Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola has become ingrained into American culture, and its logo is recognized all around the world. John Stith Pemberton was a pharmacist and chemist who originally created the formula as a medication in an attempt to help his drug problem. Yes, the rumors are true, Coca-Cola did initially contain traces of cocaine, but that is no longer the case. Sadly, Pemberton passed away before he was able to see his company turn into a tremendously successful global empire beloved by millions.

/human-stories/john-stith-pemberton-and-the-creation-of-coca-cola/img/Johnpembertoncocacola01_MobileImageSizeReigNN.jpg

Photo by ferdyboy / Shutterstock

The beverage went through a lot of changes and was initially a wine. Pemberton changed the recipe in response to the prohibition, and Coca-Cola was born. An essential part of the company’s success is due to advertising strategies. From the spelling of the name to the bottles they are sold in, Coca-Cola takes marketing very seriously. Here is the history of Coca-Cola and how it transformed into what it is now. Plus, we added some interesting facts you may have never known about the brand or its products.

© 2019 History by Day all rights reserved