The Nineteenth Century Roots of Springfield Beer

Springfield, Illinois became a hub for German-style brewing in 1849, long before the modern craft beer movement. The Reisch Brewing Company pioneered this local industry, turning a small frontier settlement into a regional brewing powerhouse.

Franz Sales Reisch founded this company shortly after arriving in the United States, bringing traditional brewing techniques to the Illinois frontier. For over a century, the brewery served as a cornerstone of the local economy and social life. Even as the industry faced significant legal challenges during the early twentieth century, the brand remained a symbol of regional identity. It is fascinating to see how these historic businesses laid the foundations for the traditions we still enjoy today.