Worlds Largest Catsup Bottle - Collinsville, Illinois

John A. (ReviewJedi)

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 of great pics!

Patty Galeener

Neat item to see. Would be even more cool if Brooks was still there. Way cool that it is a working water tower.

We just happened to be in the area. I wouldn’t have driven here just to see it. But if you are near, you need to go.

Jim Boyce

Drove down from Chicagoland to see the total eclipse in August 2017. Stayed at a hotel in Collinsville, and took a quick trip to see the Catsup Bottle. Pretty cool! We just parked right in the lot next to the bottle, took some pics, and were on our way.

Jared Shepler

It kinda weired cause the business that's there has nothing to do with catsup and it is a bit awkward. But the sales guy in side was very nice and let us use the restrooms and we looked around , know where to get a pro stove top or warmer if I need for sure. Great time

Geno Jessmone

This is a cool landmark you can visit for free. Their is a picnic table you can have lunch or a snack there. Glad I stopped to take a look.

Cory Matthew

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 around the world.

Lauren Delgado

This one was disappointing. I guess I expected a better way to stop and look at it. We ended up parking near some apartments to take these pictures. It is on a busy road too. You can stop at a business that is beneath it but you can't really see it well from there. Overall, it is the world's largest catsup bottle and we got the pleasure of seeing it.

Jess Ehm

Interesting roadside attraction. And it really is roadside, don't expect any parking in a lot. Interesting history and worth a trip driving by if you have the time.