The Innovation of Ice Harvesting and Transport

In the 1800s, the ice trade grew as the demand for ice increased. Frederick Tudor, an entrepreneur from New England, played a significant role in this trade. He aimed to export ice to the West Indies and the southern United States. Initially, his attempts faced challenges as ice melted during transportation and lacked proper storage facilities. However, Tudor adapted and built a successful ice depot in Havana, Cuba. He also utilized the return journey of his ships to export fruit, which remained fresh with the remaining ice. Tudor monopolized the trade by controlling ice houses and undercutting competitors. By the 1820s, he managed to ship around 2,000 tons of ice and became known as the "Ice King of New England."