Columbus in Muscogee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
J.S. Pemberton & the Confederacy
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The Formula
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, May 13, 2021
1. J.S. Pemberton & the Confederacy Marker
J.S. Pemberton & the Confederacy
John Pemberton joined the 3rd Georgia Cavalry in May 1862 and resigned in October that same year due to a chronic disease of the stomach, his life-long malady. He wrote he could better serve his country as a pharmacist and chemist. In July 1863, he joined the home guard and commanded a cavalry unit at the Battle of Columbus, where he suffered a saber gash and a pistol wound. Despite his injuries, within seven months he reopened his pharmacy and launched a large wholesale drug warehouse. He operated both until he left for Atlanta in 1869.
The Formula
The popular Vin Mariani wine, infused with extract of coca leaves, began selling worldwide in 1863. Dr. Pemberton used this tonic to relieve pain from stomach cancer, intestinal disorders, and wounds. He modified Marianis drink to produce French Wine of Coca, the predecessor to Coca-Cola The Coca-Cola Company now recognizes Pemberton mixed the prototype formula in Columbus and then brought it to Atlanta. The 1885 prohibition law in Atlanta forced him to remove the wine from his tonic. Pemberton added sweeteners and an extract of kola nuts to create Coca-Cola.
Erected 2015 by Historic Columbus Foundation, Inc. and The Historic Chattahoochee Commission.
Topics. This historical
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Location. 32° 28.354′ N, 84° 59.662′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. It is on 14th Street near Front Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located just east of the roundabout. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus GA 31901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Freedom Day (a few steps from this marker); Calhoun (within shouting distance of this marker); Griffin (within shouting distance of this marker); Mott (within shouting distance of this marker); Last Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); Mills (within shouting distance of this marker); George Parker Swift I (within shouting distance of this marker); TSYS (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Also see . . . John Stith Pemberton. (Submitted on May 22, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, May 13, 2021
2. The Formula Marker
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, May 13, 2021
3. J.S. Pemberton & the Confederacy/The Formula Marker looking east
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 881 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 22, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
