Stunning Photos Of Old American Breweries Through History
Breweries have a long history in the U.S., and brands like Pabst Blue Ribbon and Budweiser go way, way back.
Beer is one of the oldest alcoholic drinks in the world, with evidence of its preparation and consumption dating back thousands of years. Many countries around the world have long-reaching traditions associated with beer, and the United States is no exception. It's easily the most popular alcoholic drinks amongst Americans, whether they prefer a six-pack of the cheap stuff or the trendy craft brews in their area. For a cool visual history of U.S. breweries, here are 14 photos of breweries over the years.
Pabst Brewery in Milwaukee
Yep, that Pabst, of Pabst Blue Ribbon fame. The Pabst Brewing Company was first founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1844, and their impressive brewing complex was one of the company's flagship locations, but it's no longer in operation today. This photo was reportedly taken sometime between 1890 and 1901.
Brewery School Field Trip
Observing the intricate machinery and being taken through the process of brewing was a great educational opportunity to show kids chemistry in action. You just had to make sure everyone kept their hands to themselves!
Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis
Anheuser-Busch is another classic American brewing company that has been around a long time, first opening in 1852. You've probably had at least one Anheuser-Busch-owned beer since their parent company, AB InBev, owns brands like Budweiser, Beck's, and Stella Artois.
Customers of Old Heidelberg Brewery, circa 1900
Cheers! This group is gathered in Chicago's Old Heidelberg Brewery, which opened at the turn of the 19th century. America produces a huge range of different beers nowadays, but back then lagers were by far the most popular and most produced style of beer. Though there are plenty of unique ales—like amber ale and cream ale—which were created in the States as well.
Railside Malting Plant
Snapped sometime in the mid-20th century, this malting plant would process grain into malt, which would then be brewed into beer or whiskey. This photo was taken in Minnesota, and it's thought that this is the Fleischmann Malting Company.
NYC Brewery Interior
This huge machine is only one part of the process, and is likely where mashed malt was separated from an extract known as wort, which was boiled again with hops or other flavorings. The seven steps of brewing beer are malting, milling, mashing, lautering, boiling, fermenting, conditioning, filtering, and packaging.
Bottling Beer at a Chicago Brewery
These workers are packaging freshly-made beer in glass bottles to be sent off. This photo was snapped in 1909 at Siebel's Brewing Academy in Chicago.
Removing Beer Vats During Prohibition
During the Prohibition Era, which began when the 18th Amendment was ratified in 1920 and lasted until 1933, all breweries had to cease production of beer. These workers are rolling huge beer vats out of a Washington D.C. brewery, which reportedly started making ice cream in its facilities. Other products like non-alcoholic "near beer" and soft drinks were created by breweries to try and stave off bankruptcy during Prohibition.
Busted Prohibition-Era Brewery
Here we see Detroit police officers inspecting an underground brewery thought to be operating illegally during Prohibition. Beer became more difficult to produce secretly due to the bulky nature of some of its equipment and packaging. Companies turned to distilling spirits like moonshine and rum which could be transported more compactly.
Driver Outside Christian Heurich Brewing Co.
This photo was taken in Washington D.C. around 1932. This was almost at the end of Prohibition, so this massive brewery, part of the Christian Heurich Brewing Co., would have been making little more than ice at the time.
Cleaning a Long-Unused Beer Tank
These cleaners are preparing a neglected beer tank toward the end of Prohibition. It was repealed in several acts including the Volstead Act and Cullen-Harrison-Act, and it was eventually repealed in full by the 21st Amendment.
Brewmaster at Work
A brewmaster for the Eastside Brewery in Los Angeles is cleaning his equipment in anticipation of Prohibition's repeal. Before Prohibition's full reversal, the Cullen-Harrison act limited the alcohol content of beer to 3.2%, so this master had the job of crafting a good-tasting brew while limiting the ABV.
So Long, Prohibition!
California brewery workers cheers to the end of Prohibition. Unfortunately, many smaller breweries closed down during this period, but many new breweries would soon be established in the coming years.
Big Ole Beer Barrels
Taken in 1949, this is the interior of Jacob Ruppert Brewery, which operated out of 92nd Street and 3rd Avenue in New York from 1867 to 1965. This area, where barrels are filled up with beer, was known as the racking room in this facility.
Jacob is a Temporary Partnerships Editor at Hearst based in Queens, New York with his partner and cat Tiger. He loves learning and writing about Film and TV, Video Games, and the weird histories of unexpected subjects.
5 Things You Should Never Buy During Amazon Prime Day
Things Designers Never Do When Designing a Kitchen
Cook Like Grandma: The Best Vintage Cookbooks
Don't Miss These Costco Summer Products
