Birthplace of Coca-Cola
Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
Marker Inscription
Birthplace of Coca-Cola. The first glass of Coca-Cola was sold for five cents on May 8, 1886, at Jacobs' Pharmacy, a popular Atlanta soda fountain that was located on this corner. Coca-Cola was created by Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton in his laboratory just a short walk from this location. Atlanta businessman Asa Candler began to purchase the rights to the formula for Coca-Cola in 1888 and founded The Coca-Cola Company in 1892 as a Georgia corporation to manufacture and advertise Coca-Cola across the country. Candler sold the company in 1919 for $25 million to a group of investors that included Ernest Woodruff. His son, Robert Woodruff, led Coca-Cola for more than half of the twentieth century, expanding Coca-Cola into a global business. Today Coca-Cola is the most widely recognized consumer product in the world. 2016.5 Erected by the Georgia Historical Society and The Coca-Cola Company 60-18
Erected by Georgia Historical Society
The Story
On this Atlanta corner in May 1886, Jacobs' Pharmacy poured the first five-cent glass of Coca-Cola, a syrup concocted by local pharmacist John Pemberton. Businessman Asa Candler bought the rights and incorporated The Coca-Cola Company in 1892, turning a soda-fountain novelty into a national brand. Under later leaders like Robert Woodruff, it grew into one of the most recognized products on earth.
Why it matters
Coca-Cola is a landmark in the rise of American mass marketing and consumer culture, and its Atlanta roots helped define the city's global identity.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum0.4 mi away · GA
- Apex Museum0.4 mi away · 135 Auburn Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA
- College Football Hall of Fame0.5 mi away · 250 Marietta Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA
- Children's Museum of Atlanta0.6 mi away · 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Atlanta, GA
- World of Coca-Cola0.6 mi away · 121 Baker Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA
- Besharat Gallery & Museum - Atlanta0.6 mi away · 175 Peters Street Southwest
Attractions
- Fountain of Rings0.4 mi away
- Olympic Rings0.4 mi away
- Georgia Aquarium0.7 mi away · 225 Baker Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA
- The Walking Dead - Terminus filming location1.6 mi away
- Zoo Atlanta1.9 mi away
- The Wren's Nest2.2 mi away · 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, Atlanta, GA
Food & drink
- Wok and Roll0.6 mi away
- Pal's Lounge0.6 mi away · 254 Auburn Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA
- Spanish Harlem0.6 mi away
- Tap Out Billiards0.6 mi away
- Thelma's Kitchen0.7 mi away
- Clues and Cocktails0.7 mi away
Places to stay
- Home2 Suites0.2 mi away · 87 Cone Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA
- The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton0.2 mi away · 127 Peachtree Street
- Barclay Hotel Atlanta Downtown0.2 mi away · 89 Luckie Street Northwest, Atlanta
- Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown0.2 mi away · 134 Peachtree Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown0.2 mi away · 111 Cone Street Northwest, Atlanta
- Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection0.2 mi away · 110 Marietta Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · John Pemberton
- · Asa Candler
- · Ernest Woodruff
- · Robert Woodruff
Themes & tags
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