Paris in Lamar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First Coca-Cola Served in Texas

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 2, 2026

1. First Coca-Cola Served in Texas Marker

Inscription. In 1887, a gallon of Coca-Cola syrup was shipped to Paris from Atlanta, Georgia, by M.P. Alexander, president of the Pemberton Chemical Co., forerunner to the Coca-Cola Co. Coupons introducing the new beverage and offering a free drink were also provided with the syrup to send to customers. The drink was first served in Texas at Frank Ledger's soda fountain. His confectionery store was located in the Bywaters Building on the south side of the Paris public square. Ledger's shop started small, selling apples to passersby, but soon took up a third of the building it shared with Bywaters & Cook Grocery Store. Alexander later moved to Paris where he and his sons operated a bookstore for many years.

Erected 2020 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 22728.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. 33° 39.633′ N, 95° 33.401′ W. Marker is in Paris, Texas, in Lamar County. It is on South Plaza east of 1st Street Southwest, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 S Plaza, Paris TX 75460, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

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: The Paris Fire, 1916 (within shouting distance of this marker); Origin of 1896 Paris Fire

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(within shouting distance of this marker); John James Culbertson (within shouting distance of this marker); William J. McDonald (about 500 feet away); Paris Fire Department (about 500 feet away); Lamar County Courthouse (about 600 feet away); Lamar County, C. S. A. (about 600 feet away); Gibraltar Hotel (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paris.

Another marker is no longer nearby. First National Bank of Paris (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . CCSWB Under the Cap: Paris (YouTube). Paris, Texas is where Coca-Cola history and Texas history collide. This historic town was the first place Coca-Cola was served in Texas, marking the start of a long, refreshing legacy. (Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, uploaded July 19, 2024) (Submitted on July 3, 2026, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 2, 2026

2. First Coca-Cola Served in Texas Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2026, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 31, 2026, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.