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!
1885
Charles Alderton begins working with Wade Morrison as a pharmacist at Morrison’s Corner Drugstore
1885
After much experimentation, Charles settles on a blend of 23 different ingredients. On December 1st, the “Waco” is introduced (later renamed Dr Pepper)
1904
Morrison and Robert Lazenby, a young beverage chemist who took over Alderton’s role, introduce Dr Pepper at the St. Louis World’s Fair
1914
Dr Pepper becomes known as the King of Beverages
1923
The Dr Pepper company moves operations to Dallas, Texas
1920-1930
A contest is held to create advertising campaign. Research shows that people experience fatigue around 10:30AM, 2:30PM and 4:30PM. The winning slogan, “Drink a bite to eat at 10, 2, and 4”, is used throughout the 1920s.
1930-1960
Several successful ad campaigns, including the ‘hotly’ contested Hot Dr Pepper debate
1977
Iconic “Be a Pepper” campaign debuts and remains popular until it is replaced by “Dr Pepper Made a Pepper Out of Me.” in 1983
1984
Dr Pepper and 7UP are purchased by Hicks & Hass and merge to become Dr Pepper 7UP
Dr Pepper 7UP is purchased by Cadbury Schweppes
1984
1991
The Dr Pepper Museum opens in the old downtown Waco bottle company and features a replica of Morrison’s Old Corner Drugstore
2000
Cadbury Schweppes purchases Snapple, RC Cola and Diet Rite
2008
Cadbury Schweppes merges with Dr Pepper 7UP to create the Dr Pepper Snapple Group
2018
Dr Pepper Snapple is purchased by Keurig and creates Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP)
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
DR PEPPER is a registered trademark of Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc.
©2025 Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc.