The historic Busch family mansion at Grant’s Farm is located in Grantwood Village, Missouri. The property was originally owned by Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, who built a cabin there in 1856. In 1903, August Anheuser Busch Sr., President and CEO of Anheuser-Busch, purchased the property, which has remained in the Busch family since.
The land on which the mansion stands was originally owned by Moses and Frederick Dent, who were the father-in-law and brother-in-law of Ulysses S. Grant. The farm was initially known as the “White Haven” estate and was primarily used for farming. Even though the Busch family retains ownership of the mansion, the grounds called “Grant’s Farm” are now open to the public.
The centerpiece of Grant’s Farm is the Busch family mansion. It is often referred to as the “Big House” by family and staff members. Construction of the mansion began in 1910, following the completion of the German-style Bauernhof (the farmhouse or barn house), the first permanent structure on the property.
Architectural features of the mansion include red brick and limestone detailing, a roofline reminiscent of French Renaissance architecture, arched entrances, and a forecourt. The interior boasts six Tiffany stained-glass windows depicting a stag in a forest, a perforated ceiling above the landing allowing sound from the third-floor ballroom to permeate the house, an ornate gun room adorned with hunting trophies, and floors made of oak, walnut, and marble. The reception rooms feature ornamental plasterwork, and the mansion houses a collection of American Western art by artists such as Remington and Berninghaus.
Throughout its history, the mansion has served as the residence for various members of the Busch family. In 2021, five Busch family members assumed operations of Grant’s Farm from Anheuser-Busch to continue the family legacy at this historic property.
Ulysses S. Grant married Julia Dent, the daughter of Frederick Dent, in 1848. Grant spent significant time at White Haven during his military career and later used the estate as his family home after the Civil War.
In 1903, the Anheuser-Busch brewing company, founded by Adolphus Busch, purchased the White Haven estate. Adolphus Busch was the son-in-law of Eberhard Anheuser, who had acquired the brewery in the mid-19th century. The Busch family transformed the estate into a weekend retreat and a place to showcase their passion for wildlife conservation. The Busch Mansion at Grant’s Farm has since become a legendary part of the areas history.
The Busch family developed Grant’s Farm into a popular attraction, opening it to the public in 1954. They added animal enclosures, including a free-roaming herd of Budweiser Clydesdales, exotic animals, and a wildlife preserve. In addition, the farm also featured a historic farmhouse, the Hardscrabble Cabin, which was built by Grant’s father-in-law and served as the Grant family’s residence for a time.
Over the years, Grant’s Farm continued to expand and add new attractions. The property now includes a carousel, a petting zoo, a reptile house, and various shows and animal encounters. Visitors can take tram tours to explore the grounds and learn about the history and wildlife conservation efforts of the Busch family.
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