Information
Landmark: Lake Ouachita State ParkCity: Hot Springs
Country: USA Arkansas
Continent: North America
Lake Ouachita State Park, Hot Springs, USA Arkansas, North America
The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of Coca-Cola, located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA.
Visual Characteristics
The museum is housed in a two-story brick building constructed in the late 19th century. The exterior features red brickwork and white trim around the windows. The interior displays are organized within rooms that replicate early 20th-century settings, including vintage Coca-Cola advertising, bottling equipment, and memorabilia.
Location & Access Logistics
The museum is situated at 1107 Washington Street in downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi. It is approximately 0.5km west of the Mississippi River. On-street parking is available on Washington Street and adjacent side streets. Vicksburg Transit bus service operates within the city, with stops located within a 0.2km radius of the museum.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The building was originally constructed in 1892 and served as the first Coca-Cola bottling plant in Vicksburg. It was established by Joseph Biedenharn, who began bottling Coca-Cola in 1894. The museum preserves the original bottling equipment and the environment of early Coca-Cola distribution.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can view a collection of early Coca-Cola advertising, including signs, posters, and bottles. The museum showcases original bottling machinery and demonstrates the early process of bottling the beverage. Interactive displays detail the history of Coca-Cola's expansion and marketing strategies.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are present on the sidewalks outside the museum. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in this downtown area. Food vendors and restaurants are located along Washington Street and nearby streets.
Best Time to Visit
The museum is open year-round. Mid-morning (10:00 AM - 11:30 AM) and mid-afternoon (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM) typically offer fewer crowds. The best time for photography inside the museum is during daylight hours when interior lighting is supplemented by natural light from windows.
Facts & Legends
Joseph Biedenharn was the first person to bottle Coca-Cola, a process that was initially met with skepticism. He secured the bottling rights from Asa Candler in 1894, and his Vicksburg operation became the blueprint for Coca-Cola bottling franchises worldwide.
Nearby Landmarks
- 0.3km South: Vicksburg National Military Park Visitor Center
- 0.5km West: Mississippi Riverfront Park
- 0.8km Northwest: Old Court House Museum
- 1.2km Northeast: Vicksburg Theatre Guild's Parkside Playhouse