Lager.Net

It all began 150 years ago, as a small brewery located a few blocks east of here along the Mississippi River. In 1857, Adolphus Busch, who was the second youngest of 22 children, immigrated to the United States from Germany. He began working as a clerk on the Riverfront, and later formed a brewery supply company.

Eberhard Anheuser, who owned a large soap manufacturing company in St. Louis, purchased a struggling local brewery in 1860 and renamed it E. Anheuser and Co. Eberhard met Adolphus and introduced him to his daughter, Lilly. A year later, Adolphus Busch married Lilly Anheuser, and in 1864 joined his father-in-law in managing the brewery.

After studying various European brewing techniques, Adolphus purchased half ownership in the brewery in 1869. At that time, most beers in the U.S. were brewed and sold locally. Adolphus had the vision to create a national brand that would appeal to all tastes. In 1876, he and his friend, Carl Conrad, created Budweiser, a lager beer that succeeded beyond anyone's expectations. Adolphus coined the word "Budweiser" because it sounded slightly Germanic; so it would appeal to both Americans and German immigrants.

The company was renamed Anheuser-Busch brewing association in 1879, and upon Eberhard's passing the following year Adolphus became President. He continued as President for 33 years, and he is considered to be the founder of our company. Today, August Busch III is our Chairman of the Board and President. He is the fourth generation of his family to serve the company in this capacity, and is credited with transforming Anheuser-Busch into a major international corporation with business and marketing activities throughout the world. The fifth generation, his son, August IV, became President of Anheuser-Busch Incorporated in 2002.