It’s ‘Catsup’, Not Ketchup! World’s Largest Catsup Bottle Is In Illinois

Before “ketchup” dominated American markets by the mid-20th century, the alternative spelling “catsup” was used by brands like Brooks Catsup. That’s why if you travel 2 miles off Route 66 to Collinsville, Illinois, you’ll find The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle.

Standing over 170 feet tall, you may ask yourself, “is it really full of ketchup?” Unfortunately, no. Despite its appearance, this oversized bottle is actually a water tower. Built in 1949, the structure supplied water to the Brooks Catsup plant. It was the president of the company, Gerhart S. Suppiger, who suggested this functional structure be designed to resemble one of the company’s famous catsup bottles – another great example of marketing along Route 66.

In 1993, the owners of the Brooks plant attempted to sell the property to the city, but Collinsville declined due to the high cost of restoration.

By June of 1994, Bethel Eckert Enterprises purchased the property – with the catsup bottle, of course – and raised over $100,000 for the restoration. Within a year the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle was restored to its former glory.

The colossal catsup bottle continues to be celebrated today. Collinsville honors its heritage with the “World’s Largest Catsup Bottle Festival” which takes place on none other than “Catsup Bottle Appreciation Day.” Enjoy vendors, a classic car show, a hotdog eating contest – and of course, bountiful amounts of catsup.

As an iconic example of novelty architecture, the structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. In 2008 it joined the long list of attractions on the Route 66 Association of Illinois’ Hall of Fame.