The land that makes up this town once was White Haven, the home of army general-turned-U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant. Before he helped win Civil War for the Union, Grant lived here for five years (1854-59) with his wife, Julia Dent Grant, where they bred thoroughbred horses. It was actually her childhood home. These days, White Haven is a national park, restored to its 1875 appearance.

Anheuser-Busch-owned Grant's Farm is across the street. The 281-acre wildlife preserve was originally part of the same estate.