On April 7, 1933, August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch III surprised their father, August A. Busch, Sr. with the gift of a six-horse Clydesdale hitch to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition. Realizing the marketing potential of a horse-drawn beer wagon, the company also arranged to have a second six-horse Clydesdale hitch sent to New York on April 7 to mark the event. The Clydesdales, driven by Billy Wales, drew a crowd of thousands as they clattered down the streets of New York City to the Empire State Building. After a small ceremony, a case of Budweiser was presented to former Governor Alfred E. Smith in appreciation of his years of service in the fight against Prohibition.
Shortly after the hitch was introduced, the six-horse Clydesdale team was increased to eight. On March 30, 1950., in commemoration of the opening of the Newark Brewery, a Dalmatian was introduced as the Budweiser Clydesdales’mascot. Now, a Dalmatian travels with each of the Clydesdale hitches. Today, Anheuser-Busch owns approximately 250 Clydesdales: they continue to be an enduring symbol of our 
heritage and tradition.
Anheuser-Busch traces its origins back to the Bavarian brewery, wich was established in 1852. Eberhard Anheuser acquired the Bavarian Brewery in 1860 and renamed it E. Anheuser & Co. in 1864, his son-in-law, Adolphus Busch, joined the company that would later become Anheuser-Busch.
While the company’s early years were demanding, Adolphus Busch proved up to the challenge. His keen vision, bold initiative, marketing savvy and passionate commitment to quality were his legacy to those who followed, and the high standards he established have been adhered to by each succeeding generation.
Today Anheuser-Busch produces the two best-selling beers in the world, Budweiser and Bud Light: operated 12 breweries in the United States; and has operations around the globe.