The History and Design of the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois

The World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois, is a marvel of roadside Americana, cherished by locals and admired by travelers. Built in 1949 by the W.E. Caldwell Company for the G.S. Suppiger ketchup bottling plant, the tower was designed to store water for fire suppression and bottling operations. Standing at 170 feet tall, this towering condiment replica holds the equivalent of 100,000 gallons of water—although it never actually contained ketchup! Its unique shape was a brilliant marketing strategy for Brooks Tangy Ketchup, a local brand that enjoyed a strong presence in the Midwest during the 20th century.

The design of the ketchup bottle is an impressive feat of engineering. Shaped to mimic the classic glass bottle, its construction was no easy task for engineers at the time. The tower features a narrow neck and wide base, designed with precision to support the immense weight and to ensure structural stability. The steel was painted in bold red and white, matching the Brooks label, and every detail was meticulously crafted to maintain the look of a giant ketchup bottle. Its vibrant color and familiar branding made it stand out, catching the eye of passersby and imprinting the Brooks ketchup brand on the minds of countless travelers.

Despite its iconic status, the ketchup bottle faced a serious threat in the early 1990s when the G.S. Suppiger plant shut down, and the water tower became obsolete. The site went up for sale, and the ketchup bottle faced possible demolition, which alarmed the Collinsville community. Locals, preservationists, and fans of quirky landmarks rallied together to save the beloved bottle. In 1995, the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle Fan Club was formed, and a passionate campaign was launched to raise funds and awareness for its preservation. Their slogan, “Save the Bottle,” became a rallying cry in Collinsville.

Through bake sales, fundraisers, and local events, the community raised enough money to restore the ketchup bottle to its former glory. Volunteers and fans contributed not only funds but also hours of labor to repaint and refurbish the landmark. The success of these efforts underscores the power of community in preserving local history, and in 2002, the ketchup bottle was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This designation solidified its status as a cultural landmark and ensured that future generations could continue to enjoy this piece of Americana.

Fun Facts About the World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois

1. Not Filled with Ketchup: Despite its appearance, the ketchup bottle has only ever stored water. Filling it with ketchup would be both expensive and impractical—though it’s fun to imagine a massive ketchup dispenser!
2. Brooks Tangy Ketchup: The tower originally advertised Brooks ketchup, a brand with a unique, tangy flavor profile, which was especially popular in the Midwest. While the Brooks brand isn’t as widely recognized today, the ketchup bottle remains a lasting testament to its regional popularity.
3. Annual Ketchup Bottle Festival: Collinsville hosts an annual “World’s Largest Catsup Bottle Festival” every summer, celebrating the landmark with ketchup-related activities, including ketchup-tasting contests, hot dog eating competitions, classic car shows, and live music. The festival draws visitors from across the U.S., adding a touch of nostalgia and whimsy to summer festivities.
4. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places: The ketchup bottle achieved a spot on the National Register in 2002, thanks to the grassroots efforts of Collinsville residents and fans of quirky Americana.
5. A Symbol of Route 159: Located along Illinois Route 159, the ketchup bottle is one of the most recognizable attractions on this otherwise typical Midwestern highway. Travelers often stop to snap photos, contributing to the bottle’s status as a “must-see” for road trip enthusiasts.
6. The ‘Ketchup or Catsup’ Debate: The landmark is often referred to as the “World’s Largest Catsup Bottle” because Brooks, like many brands in the past, used the term “catsup” on its labeling. This spelling highlights a historic regional variation, though the difference between “ketchup” and “catsup” is purely linguistic.

The Cultural Impact of the Ketchup Bottle

The World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle is more than just a roadside oddity; it’s an emblem of American culture, representing a time when companies invested in unique advertising structures to make a lasting impression. Mid-century America saw a rise in novelty architecture, with buildings and structures designed to resemble everyday objects. The ketchup bottle fits within this tradition, similar to attractions like the Big Duck in New York or the Giant Coffee Pot in Pennsylvania. These quirky landmarks became symbols of American creativity and marketing savvy, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s visual and cultural landscape.

In the digital age, the ketchup bottle’s charm has only grown. It’s become a social media sensation, with countless travelers sharing photos of their visits online. This modern exposure has introduced the landmark to a new generation, many of whom visit Collinsville just to see the famous ketchup bottle in person. Social media platforms, travel blogs, and fan pages have helped transform it from a local landmark into an internationally recognized piece of Americana.

Preserving a Piece of Americana

The ketchup bottle’s preservation serves as an inspiring story of community dedication and the importance of preserving local history. As large corporations move away from such distinctive advertising and as smaller brands struggle to survive in a highly competitive market, landmarks like the ketchup bottle become rare gems. They remind us of a time when advertising was as much about capturing imaginations as it was about selling products. For Collinsville residents, the ketchup bottle is a point of pride and a symbol of their town’s history and identity.

A Model for Future Preservation Efforts

The successful campaign to save the World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle has become a model for other preservation efforts across the country. It demonstrates that with community involvement and creativity, it’s possible to rescue and maintain even the most unconventional landmarks. Other towns have since been inspired to preserve their own unique structures, ensuring that these pieces of Americana are not lost to time.

If you are a GIANT ketchup fan, you might want this Squishy Ketchup Packet Pillow.

Ketchup or Catsup?

The terms “ketchup” and “catsup” refer to the same condiment, but the difference mainly lies in regional naming preferences and branding choices, rather than any significant variation in ingredients or flavor. Here’s a bit of history and context around the two terms:

1. Historical Origins

• The word “ketchup” is thought to come from the Chinese word ke-tsiap, a fermented fish sauce used in Asian cuisine. This sauce was brought to Europe by traders in the 17th century and adapted over time with various ingredients.
• Early British versions of ketchup were made with mushrooms, oysters, walnuts, or anchovies—ingredients that seem surprising today but were common at the time.

2. Introduction to America

• When ketchup made its way to America in the 18th century, tomatoes eventually became the main ingredient, especially after the Heinz company popularized tomato-based ketchup in the late 19th century.
• Both “ketchup” and “catsup” were used interchangeably in the U.S., with regional preferences emerging over time.

3. Branding and Regional Preferences

• By the 20th century, “ketchup” became the more dominant term in most parts of the United States, largely due to Heinz’s influence and national advertising campaigns.
• However, some brands, especially in the southern U.S., continued to use the term “catsup.” The two terms are essentially synonymous, and the choice often came down to marketing and brand identity rather than a true difference in the product.

4. Current Usage

• Today, “ketchup” is by far the more common term in the U.S. and internationally. “Catsup” is now rarely seen, although it’s still used by some regional or traditional brands, like Brooks (of World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle fame) and some Southern companies.
• In most cases, both “ketchup” and “catsup” refer to the same tomato-based condiment with vinegar, sugar, and spices, regardless of the name on the label.

5. Flavor Differences?

• There is no standardized difference in taste between ketchup and catsup. Any flavor variation between brands is due to recipe differences rather than the choice of label. Heinz, for example, has a tangy, sweet flavor, while other brands may be spicier or less sweet.

In short, “ketchup” and “catsup” are two words for the same condiment, and the choice of name mostly reflects historical and regional branding preferences.

If you are in Illinois, you might also want to visit the World’s Largest Rocking Chair, which is located in Casey, Illinois.

Collinsville, Illinois, has the largest ketchup bottle in the world!