Dr Pepper has a special place in the hearts of the people of Virginia and is uniquely linked with the invention of Dr Pepper. Not only is it the birthplace of cofounder Wade Morrison, it’s also where Dr Pepper’s namesake Charles T. Pepper lived. That’s why in recent years October 24, or ‘10/24’, has been proclaimed Dr Pepper Day. Now we celebrate DOCTOBER all month long!
From the brand that has always celebrated its originality, here is the original Dr. Pepper. Dr. Charles T. Pepper was born in Montgomery County, VA in 1830. That’s right, the man that this delicious drink is named after is from right here in VA! He earned a medical degree from the University of Virginia and served as a surgeon in the Civil War. After the war, Pepper settled with his family in the town of Rural Retreat, where he practiced medicine and opened Dr. Pepper’s Drug Store. According to legend, it was there where he employed Wade Morrison, who would later become the co-founder of Dr Pepper.
Wade Morrison was born in Christiansburg, VA in 1852. In the late 1800’s he left his job at Dr. Pepper’s Drug Store and his home in the Blue Ridge Mountains to head for Texas. Shortly after arriving in Waco, Morrison bought the “Old Corner Drug Store”. Soon he and his new partner , Charlie Alderton, began selling a new soda from the store’s fountain that Texans just couldn’t get enough of. Morrison and Alderton knew they were on to something big. On Dec. 1, 1885 they received a patent for their new soft drink. Morrison decided to name the drink Dr Pepper after his old boss back in VA. Dr Pepper was the first major soft drink brand in America.
To learn more about our history and how to earn exclusive merchandise when you buy Dr Pepper, visit https://www.drpepper.com
To find out about upcoming events happening at Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges, visit https://drpepperpark.com
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