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The Sweetwater (also known as Green River) Brewery is a structure constructed in 1900 of native sandstone. The structure was once part of a three building complex that consisted of the Office/Saloon, the Engine House, and the Brewhouse. The building is an interesting blend of architectural styles. The Brewery is significant for being one of the pioneer industries in Green River and the first brewery in Wyoming. Through the years Green River beer gained a nationwide reputation for its quality. The brewing business was operated by German immigrants beginning as early as 1872. The first operator was Adam Braun. In 1875 Otto Rauch took over the business, building a one-story wooden structure on Front Street (later Railroad Avenue). It was after Karl Spinner purchased the business in 1879 that the fine reputation for Green River beer became widespread. The period of development which produced this structure was begun in 1891 when Hugo Gaensslen purchased the brewery. Gaensslen, a native of Chicago, built the stone structure in 1900. It was patterned after the famous Chicago water tower.