This red-brick complex covers over one hundred acres. Most of the historic structures date from the late-19th century when Adolphus Busch headed the business. The stable dates from 1885 and the brewhouse from 1891. All of the older buildings were designed by St. Louis architect E. Jungenfeld & Co. and its successor Widmann, Walsh & Boisselier.

In 1860 Eberhard Anheuser, a successful soap manufacturer, acquired a small brewery opened eight years earlier by another owner. He brought his son-in-law, Adolphus Busch, into the business in 1864. Budweiser beer was introduced in 1876, and the Eagle trademark was registered in 1877. Michelob beer followed in 1896.

By 1900 the brewery produced 1,000,000 barrels of beer annually and had become the largest brewery in St. Louis. It continues to be one of the largest breweries in the world.