The Pepsi Cola Company acquired national distribution rights for Dr. Pepper and increased competition with the Coca-Cola Company.

The original Dr. Pepper tasted spicy and tangy but not sour.

In 1939 Dr. Pepper scientists removed the caffeine and added vitamin B-1 to the drink.

Because consumers did not like the bad-tasting product, they quickly and loudly mandated a return to the original formula.

In the 1800s physicians practiced medicine and pharmacy in the same building.

The products available at Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas, included medicines, foodstuffs, and flavored carbonated beverages.

Pharmacist Charles C. Alderton of the Old Corner Drug Store mixed but did not name the first Dr. Pepper drink in 1885.

Named by the drugstore's owner, the new drink made its national debut at the 1904 World's Fair along with the hot dog bun and the ice cream cone.

After Dr. Pepper's invention, Coca-Cola and Pepsi Cola entered the carbonated beverage market.

Some tasty yet ineffective medicines became quite popular.