Worlds Largest Catsup Bottle — Attraction in Collinsville

Catsup Bottle Water Tower is a remarkable example of mid-20th-century novelty architecture and a beloved roadside attraction. Constructed in 1949 by the W.E. Caldwell Company of Louisville, Kentucky. It was commissioned by the G.S. Suppiger Company, which owned the Brooks Catsup brand.

The idea for the water tower came from Gerhart S. Suppiger, the company president, who suggested that the tower be designed to resemble one of their iconic catsup bottles.

This unique design was intended to serve both a practical purpose and as a marketing tool to promote the brand.

The tower was built to supply water to the Brooks catsup plant and to provide water for the plant’s fire suppression system.

At the time, the plant was a significant local employer, producing not only catsup but also other food products like chili beans, spaghetti, and soups.

The construction of the tower helped to stabilize the water pressure in the area, which had been affected by the plant’s water usage.

In the early 1990s, the water tower had fallen into disrepair.

The Brooks plant had closed, and the future of the iconic structure was uncertain. However, a group of local citizens formed the Catsup Bottle Preservation Group and raised funds to restore the tower.

Their efforts were successful, and the tower was restored in 1995.

In 2002, the Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower stands at an impressive 170 feet tall, with the bottle itself measuring 70 feet and the supporting tower adding another 100 feet.

If filled with catsup, the bottle could theoretically hold up to 640,000 standard-sized bottles of catsup, although it was never intended to hold anything other than water.

The tower’s design is a prime example of novelty architecture, a style that became popular in the mid-20th century. These structures were often built to attract attention and draw visitors, serving as both functional buildings and eye-catching advertisements.

The Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower has had a significant social impact on the Collinsville community and beyond. As a roadside attraction, it has drawn countless visitors to the area, boosting local tourism and contributing to the local economy.

The tower is a source of pride for the residents of Collinsville, symbolizing the town’s industrial heritage and its connection to the iconic Brooks Catsup brand.

The tower has also played a role in popular culture, appearing in various media and becoming a symbol of Americana.

It has been featured in documentaries, books, and even mentioned in movies, further cementing its status as a cultural icon.

The preservation of the tower is a testament to the power of community action and the importance of preserving unique landmarks.

The efforts of the Catsup Bottle Preservation Group not only saved the tower from demolition but also highlighted the value of preserving historical structures that contribute to a community’s identity and heritage.

In summary, the Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower is more than just a water tower; it is a piece of American history.

Its unique design, historical significance, and social impact make it a noteworthy landmark that continues to attract and inspire visitors from...

Review Date: June 1st, 2014

Ask your friend’s what America’s favorite condiment is…and guess what they’ll say.

There is a good chance that they will say catsup… or ketchup… or cheese… or horseradish. All good answers except for horseradish. So it’s only fitting that we have a rather large (world’s largest, one would say) catsup/ketchup bottle in America.

While visiting a friend in Edwardsville, another friend and I decided to make a trip to Dizzy Dugout and while kind of driving around town, we saw this giant Catsup bottle in the air. So of course, we had to stop and check it out.

The catsup bottle is kind of in a weird location. It’s randomly off to the side of the road, around a bend. It’s next to what seems to be an abandoned warehouse of sorts. Not really sure. But there is a decent amount of room to park, get out, take some photos and all that. At the base, there is a cake sculpture thing. Not sure how to describe it besides it looking like a cake with graphics on it. It can be seen in the photo album below.

Technically called Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower, it is a water tower painted to look like a catsup bottle. Wonder how the local residents would feel if their faucets spewed out catsup one day instead of water. Overall, a nice little 10 minute stop if you are in...

Quirky Roadside Attraction

Driving by the world’s largest ketchup bottle was an unexpected sight! I couldn’t resist pulling over to snap a few photos of this iconic, kitschy piece of Americana. Standing tall at 170 feet, the giant ketchup bottle is perched atop a water tower, making it a unique landmark that’s impossible to miss.

The area around the bottle is simple, with just enough space to park and admire it from different angles. It’s a quick stop—maybe 5-10 minutes—but it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys quirky roadside attractions or loves a good photo op.

While there’s not much else in the immediate vicinity, the world's largest ketchup bottle is a must-see if you’re in the area or passing through on a road trip. It’s a reminder of the quirky and fun things that make travel so memorable. Definitely worth a stop for a few laughs and a couple...