Keeping It In The Family

Since November 2021, five members of the Busch family own and operate Grant’s Farm. Our shared
goal is to keep this unique piece of family and national history intact for generations to come. We
have so many fond memories here and invite you to create your own with your family.

Andrew Busch

Favorite GF Memory

Peter Busch

Favorite GF Memory

Beatrice Busch von Gontard

Favorite GF Memory

Robert Hermann Jr.

Favorite GF Memory

Trudy Busch Valentine

Favorite GF Memory

The History ofGrant’s Farm

Grant’s Farm has been in the Busch family since 1903. There are many illustrious people and milestones that make up the property’s history. The roots of Grant’s Farm go deep, as does the love and care the Dent, Grant and Busch families have all shared for this special place.

1820

Colonel Frederic Dent, father-in-law of General and President Ulysses S. Grant, purchases the White Haven property in St. Louis County.

1855

Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia begin to build Grant's Cabin near White Haven. They call it Hardscrabble because of its unattractive looks.

1903

August Anheuser Busch Sr., President CEO of Anheuser-Busch, purchases the Dent / Grant property.

1903

Cyrus G. Blanke, president of the C.F. Blanke Tea & Coffee Company of St. Louis, acquires Grant's Cabin for $8000 to display his products at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.

1907

August Sr. purchases Grant's Cabin and moves it to Grant's Farm. Today, the Cabin stands approximately 1 mile south from its original location.

1910

Construction of the German-style Bauernhof, the first permanent building on Grant's Farm begins.

Cir. 1940

After her husband August Sr. passes, Alice Busch builds the "Cottage" to spend her later years.

1954

August Jr., known as Gussie, and his Swiss-born wife Trudy reopen the Big House as their primary residence.

1954

With the support of Gussie, Anheuser-Busch opens Grant's Farm to the public. The company introduces the tradition of complimentary beer sample for guests of age.

2021

Five members of the Busch family assume operations of Grant's Farm from Anheuser-Busch to continue the family legacy at this historic property. Doug Stagner becomes the first president of Grant's Farm.

2021

Anheuser-Busch becomes the premier partner of Grant's Farm.

2023

Grant's Farm celebrates its 120-Year Anniversary of being owned by the Busch Family and part of the St. Louis landscape.

Our Team

Grant's Farm is managed by our experienced, locally-based leadership team.

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Steve Byrd

General Manager

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Craig Thomas

Curator, Animal Care

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Patrick Cummings

Director, Culinary

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Jeanna Kasten

Director, Finance

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Matt Morgan

Manager, Merchandise

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Nash Miller

Manager, Guest Operations

Jenny Kraus-Smith

Jenny Kraus-Smith

Manager, Family Estate

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James Caldwell

Manager, Special Events

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Zach Breckle

Manager, Communications

Darryl Politte

Darryl Politte

Manager, Facilities

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Doug Stagner

Advisor to the Board

Thank you to our long-time partners who treasure Grant's Farm as much as we do.

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