Origins & Early Life

Caleb Davis Bradham (May 27, 1867 – February 19, 1934) was an American pharmacist who invented the soft drink Pepsi. Bradham was born Caleb Davis Bradham on May 27, 1867, in Chinquapin, North Carolina, to George Washington Bradham and Julia McCann Bradham. Bradham was of English and Scots-Irish descent. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the Philanthropic Society, and attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Circa 1890, he dropped out of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, owing to his father's business going bankrupt. After returning to North Carolina, he was a public school teacher for about a year and soon thereafter opened a drug store in New Bern named the "Bradham Drug Company" that, like many other drug stores of the time, also housed a soda fountain. Middle Street and Pollock Street in downtown New Bern is where Bradham, in 1893, invented the recipe—a blend of kola nut extract, vanilla, and "rare oils"—for what was initially known as "Brad's Drink," but on August 28, 1898, was renamed Pepsi-Cola. Bradham named his drink after a combination of...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Bassermann — Contemporary (Born in 1867) (1867): Esteemed German stage and screen actor, celebrated for his dramatic versatility.
• Arturo Toscanini — Contemporary (Born in 1867) (1867): Intense Italian conductor, master of orchestral detail, and pivotal figure in 20th-century music.
• Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim — Contemporary (Born in 1867) (1867): Finnish military leader and statesman who guided Finland through tumultuous decades.
• Alan Arkin — Contemporary (Born in 1934) (1934): Esteemed American actor, filmmaker, and musician with a seven-decade career.
• Baby Face Nelson — Contemporary (Died in 1934) (1934): Notorious American bank robber, known for his youthful appearance and partnership with John Dillinger.
• Bill Russell — Contemporary (Born in 1934) (1934): Center for the Boston Celtics, a 12-time champion and basketball legend.
• Ajahn Buddhadasa — Shared historical date (05-27 · Born) (1906): Pioneering Thai Buddhist monk known for reinterpreting doctrine and fostering religious reformation.
• Ben Feldman — Shared historical date (05-27 · Born) (1980): American actor known for roles in Superstore, Mad Men, and Silicon Valley.
• Amy Tan — Shared historical date (02-19 · Born) (1952): Acclaimed American novelist celebrated for exploring Chinese-American family dynamics.
• André Gide — Shared historical date (02-19 · Died) (1951): Pioneering French author, Nobel laureate known for exploring selfhood and transgression.
• 1867 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1867
• May 27 (05-27) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 27
• 1934 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1934
• February 19 (02-19) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 19