Piece of History: Magnus Brewery

Cedar Rapids business opened in 1859, closed after Prohibition

By Tara Templeman, - The History Center

Jun. 25, 2024 5:00 am

The Magnus Brewery on Eighth Stree NE in Cedar Rapids is shown in 1905. It could produce 60 barrels of beer in 12 hours and had five cellars that could hold 2,000 barrels. The brewery closed after Prohibition became the law of the land in 1920. It war torn down in 1937. (The History Center)

Jacob Wetzel founded the Eagle Brewery and Malt House on Eighth Street NE in Cedar Rapids in 1859.

In 1864, Christian Magnus bought into the business for $3,000 to become a full partner. By 1868, Magnus was the sole proprietor.

The brewery could produce 60 barrels of beer in 12 hours and had five cellars that could hold 2,000 barrels. The bottling works was on site.

Delivery was handled internally, with five wagons and the railroad at the plant's front door. Eagle beer was delivered throughout Iowa and neighboring states.

Magnus died in 1911, and Prohibition took its toll on his company.

Iowa had Prohibition laws off and on from 1882 until 1916, when it adopted a statewide ban on alcohol three years before the adoption of the 18th Amendment in 1919.

Authorities, for example, confiscated 700 barrels of beer at the brewery on Aug. 20, 1884, when an early Prohibition law went into effect in Iowa.

When national Prohibition started in 1920, the Magnus Brewery closed. The company diversified its interests into real estate, the Cedar Rapids National Bank, the Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Railway and Light Co.'s interurban, and the Allison Hotel.

The brewery building was torn down in 1937.

The caves near the brewery, where the beer was kept cool, were rediscovered in 1977 during construction of Interstate 380.

Tara Templeman is curator at The History Center. Comments: curator@historycenter.org