From Luxury to Everyday: The Chilling History of Ice

Ice wasn’t always a household staple—it was once a rare luxury reserved for emperors and elites. Ancient civilizations like the Chinese, Egyptians, and Persians developed ingenious methods to harvest and store ice, from cutting frozen stream tops to building underground domes called Yakhchāls that preserved ice through hot summers.

Fast forward to the 1800s, and ice became a booming American commodity. Inventors like Thomas Moore created the first “Refrigeratory,” while Frederic Tudor—dubbed the “Ice King”—built a global ice empire by shipping frozen blocks from New England to the tropics. His vision transformed ice from novelty to necessity, revolutionizing food preservation and beverage culture.

By the late 19th century, ice was the second-largest U.S. export after cotton. Then came the age of artificial ice. Innovators like Dr. John Gorrie and Alexander Twining pioneered mechanical refrigeration, paving the way for modern icemakers and the cold chain infrastructure we rely on today.

From ancient ingenuity to industrial innovation, ice has shaped how we eat, drink, and live. And it continues to evolve—now as an artistic and sensory experience, especially in brands like Seasons of Ice.

History of Ice | First Commercial Ice Production | Reddy Ice