America's First Lager
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
In 1840, John Wagner brought lager yeast from his native Bavaria and brewed the nation's first lager beer. Later, other German immigrants began brewing lagers, which soon became popular & promoted growth of America's brewing industry.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In 1840 John Wagner carried lager yeast from Bavaria to Philadelphia and brewed what is remembered as the first true lager beer in the United States. Unlike the heavier ales then common, lager was cold-fermented and crisp, and it caught on quickly as waves of German immigrants brought both a taste for it and the skill to make it. Their breweries multiplied through the 19th century, helping build one of America's great industries.
Why it matters
A single immigrant's yeast reshaped American drinking habits and seeded a brewing industry, a small but vivid example of how newcomers remade everyday American life.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Constitution Center0.8 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House0.9 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery0.9 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery0.9 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Larry Becker Contemporary Art0.9 mi away · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.9 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Philly Gun Range0.7 mi away · North Percy Street
- Elfreth's Alley0.8 mi away
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.9 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.9 mi away
- President's House1.1 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate1.1 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe1.0 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- 3J's Cafe1.0 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bubble Tea Room1.0 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies1.0 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork1.0 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffee1.1 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia E - Penns Landing0.8 mi away · 100 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.9 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Philadelphia House1.0 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Penn's View Hotel1.0 mi away · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia1.0 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City1.1 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · John Wagner
Themes & tags
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