Did you know Bellefontaine Cemetery has over 50 beer barons and baronesses buried here? In the late 1800’s, St. Louis was a leader in the beer industry due to its geography. The access to lots of clean water and the caves in which to keep the beer cool before refrigeration existed were plentiful. Add the German immigration boom and beer brewing became a popular industry in the city. By 1860, St. Louis had more than 40 breweries, with Lemp brewery being the largest.
Adolphus Bush became the first American to use pasteurization in 1870, extending beer’s shelf life and opening it to the national market. Combined with the use of refrigerated rail cars, this allowed brewers like Lemp and Bush to extend their businesses nationally, gaining the majority of the market. By 1900, St. Louis was a national leader in beer production. Bush and Lemp are two beer barons that will be featured on the tour. Others include James and William Finney, Ellis Wainwright, William Nolker, Carl Klaussman and many more!
For the past four years we have celebrated St. Louis’ rich beer history with the Beer Barons Tour. This year the event, which features a bus tour of some of the brewers buried at Bellefontaine, beer tastings from local breweries, music and barbecue, will be held Saturday, October 10 from 2:30 – 6:00 p.m. Tickets are still available here.
