THE HISTORIC SCHLAFLY
HIGHLAND SQUARE
BREWPUB
Much like the Schlafly ancestors did 170 years ago, Schlafly Highland Square helps establish community with its brewpub opened in 2021.
The Schlafly family’s American dream began here after immigrating to the United States from Switzerland in the mid-1880s. The Schlaflys first landed in New Orleans in May of 1854, and then made their way up the Mississippi River to finally put down roots in the town now known as Highland, Illinois.
Thirty years after Schlafly Beer became the original St. Louis craft brewery just across the river, we are now able to give back to the same community the Schlaflys began in so many years ago. Some of their ancestors are buried here and it’s those deep roots that bring us back.
It’s a homecoming.
We’re honored to come full circle, pour pints and help reinvigorate a community where so many Swiss German families started their American dream.
In 1891, a charter was obtained from the state for the new “Highland Bank” in the building we now occupy at 907 Main St. The Highland Bank operated for a dozen years, then converted to a national bank charter on March 3, 1903, and it became the “First National Bank of Highland.”
After a 1943 fire, the renovated interior is what we pay homage to today.
We’ve maintained the architectural integrity of the former bank’s Art Deco style by refurbishing much of the original structure, including columns, molding, light fixtures and color scheme. Even the bank’s safe has been preserved, occupying a position of prominence behind the Schlafly bar, as well as, the original inlaid bank logo tile work at the entrance.
After being vacant for three years, we were proud to partner with the City of Highland to continue our mission of revitalizing spaces and communities that will serve its residents for years to come – just as we’ve done for the past 30 years.