BOURBON, Mo. – In Missouri, there is a city called Bourbon that traces its roots back to the 1800s when settlers would travel through, selling their wares at the local general store situated along a railroad. The town’s start is closely linked to the Missouri Pacific railroad tracks that run through the area.

“A long time ago there was a store called Turner Store,” said Randy Bremer, owner of the Bremer Hardware & Lumber company. “The Irish immigrant workers came through here when they built the railroad. In the evenings, they would go to Turner Store and drink bourbon.”

Bremer explained that the phrase “Let’s go to Bourbon” originated from these gatherings. He mentioned that the town’s original name was supposed to be Saint Cloud.

Bourbon is located on Route 66 in northern Crawford County, about an hour from St. Louis. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of approximately 1,632.

A notable feature of the town is its water tower, bearing the town’s name. The original tower, constructed in 1931, is still operational.

According to Mary Heywood, alderwoman of Bourbon, Missouri, the Bourbon History book explains that a water system was installed in the 1930s. The first residents raised the water tower using horses on land that was donated, which eventually became part of Route 66.

In addition to its historical charm, the town has an economic development initiative called the “Barrel Tour.” This tour identifies the village and store locations where barrels of whiskey were once kept, marked by a barrel of whiskey placed outside each store.

But is there bourbon in the water tower?

“Well, sure. What else would be in there?” Bremer said jokingly.