We The People: This Day in History, December 1
Dr Pepper Debuts in Waco, and a sweet legacy begins
Published: Dec. 1, 2025 at 8:13 AM CST
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - On December 1, 1885, Dr Pepper was first served at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in Waco.
One year before the invention of Coca-Cola, a young pharmacist named Charles Alderton began experimenting by mixing different fruit flavors together.
The resulting concoction would become the formula for Dr Pepper.
The drink became a favorite among fountain patrons, and soon people all across town began ordering it.
The beverage was introduced to millions at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
The original bottling plant building in downtown Waco houses the Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute, celebrating the drink’s history and its special place in the city
Copyright 2025 KWTX. All rights reserved.
