Samuel Fahnestock was granted a patent for the first soda fountain on April 23, 1819. MINERAL WATER APPARATUS, U.S. Patent No. X3,096.
While soda fountains have given way to bottled and canned soda, they were once a fixture in towns and cities across the United States. Soda Fountains were introduced as early as 1758 when the term “soda water” was first used.
Naturally carbonated waters were well known throughout history for their unique healing properties. The water was commonly prescribed for stomach pain and indigestion since it had little to no side effects, unlike the medications used at that time. Originally most soda fountains were found inside drug stores as there were no laws governing the use of drugs and medication in beverages. Ingredients such as caffeine and cocaine were regularly added to the soda, along with other flavorings to make them taste better.
As the popularity of soda fountains rose so did the technology behind them. In 1819, Samuel Fahnestock was granted a patent for the first Soda Fountain (Mineral Water Apparatus). His invention pumped carbonated water from a pump and spigot. The barrel-shaped body of his device was designed so it could be concealed and hidden under a counter.
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