Anheuser Busch in St. Louis, Missouri

The Anheuser Busch Company in St. Louis, Missouri first opened in 1852, after Eberhard Anheuser purchased the financially ailing Bavarian Brewery; he named the company E. Anheuser and Company. Though he had no experience in the brewery business, his son-in-law Adolphus Busch was a business entrepreneur in his own right. Busch was a successful German-born businessman, who joined his father-in-law in business in 1860, and together they formed Anheuser Busch Company, which became a leading local brewery business.

During the 1870's, Busch became the first brewer in America to use pasteurization, which allowed the brewed beer to be transported over a long distance. Busch also introduced artificial refrigeration, refrigerated railcars and ice-houses by the rail side. All of these technologies combined together to allow beer to be shipped all over America without spoiling.

The grounds contain three buildings that have been designated historical landmarks; the Old School House, the Brew House and the Clydesdale Stables. The Old School House was where the children of August Busch were educated and once the building was no longer needed for school, Busch purchased the building and converted it into offices for the company. The Brew House has been expanded over the years and as of 2007, it has an average capacity to produce 15.8 million barrels, today the building serves as the heart of the brewery. The Clydesdale Stables were originally designed to be the private stables of August A. Busch, and is now home to the world famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

Anheuser Busch continues to enjoy its top spot as the largest brewery in the United States. The brewery was designated a historical landmark in 1966 and contains some 189 separate structures spread out over an area of 142 acres, many of them done in the Romanesque red-brick style. In 2008, Anheuser Busch was named the number one most admired company in the United States and in the world.

For guests who are interested in the history of an American brewing icon, there are brewery tours available at the St. Louis, Missouri World Headquarters. An informative guide will walk people through the heritage, history, state-of-the-art brewing equipment and architecture of the structure. Guests can view the Beachwood Lager Cellar, Clydesdale Stable, the Brew House and Bevo Packaging Facility. At the completion of the tour, for guests over the age of 21, there is the Hospitality Room where product samples are offered. There are the traditional brands such as Budweiser, Bud Light and Busch offered but also seasonal and new brands to sample as well. Throughout the year, the St. Louis Tour Center also offers several exciting events such as the Clydesdale Camera Day and several Saturdays on the first any given month, the brewery hosts various activities and entertainment.