Timeline: 1840s – from Exports to U.S. Expansion

The ice industry shifted from exports to expansion within the United States. Wooden hulled ships carried ice alongside fish, butter, eggs and beer. Ice allowed other perishable industries to expand and grow. Ships were important in the early years of trade since the railroad networks were non-existent.

  • Wooden Hulled Ships carried fish, butter and eggs alongside ice to other countries. The ice allowed other perishable industries to expand and grow. Ships were important in the early years of the trade for exports since the railroad networks were non- existent.
  • Ice consumption on the East Coast of the United States increasingly grew. Ice was used to preserve dairy products and fresh fruit while fisherman began to use ice to preserve their catches.
  • Household ice boxes were manufactured in the 1840’s to hold natural ice.

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