Frederic Tudor

historian

Frederic Tudor (1783-1864) was an American businessman known as the 'King of Ice' for his pioneering role in the ice trade. In the early 19th century, he established Tudor Ice, which revolutionized the way ice was produced and distributed. He was instrumental in developing the international ice trade, exporting ice from the cold waters of New England to warm climates such as the Caribbean, India, and the American South. Tudor's innovations not only made ice a luxury item accessible to the masses but also helped to facilitate the preservation of food and beverages, transforming culinary practices. His efforts led to ice becoming a symbol of status in American society, marking the beginning of the widespread use of refrigeration.