Boston's Formidable Ice Trade: Talk hosted by Friends of the Harborwalk

That industrialists made fortunes from ice—a product that is so ubiquitous today—may seem bizarre, but the birth of the ice industry is a crucial historic development, says Andrew Robichaud, a Boston University assistant professor of history who is writing a book on the ice trade, which took off in the 1820s and lasted about 100 years—until refrigeration rendered it unnecessary. By the year 1847, Robichaud says that 353 ice-packed vessels left Boston Harbor on their way to the American South, as well as international ports like Rio de Janeiro and Hong Kong. Boston alone exported almost 75,000 tons of ice that year, and used another 27,000 tons here. Much of it came from Fresh Pond in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a kettle hole lake about five miles outside downtown Boston.

All participants must register in advance as space is limited and we want to be able to contact you in case of inclement weather. While the tour is free - donations are accepted in order to support our mission.
The Friends of the Boston Harborwalk is a volunteer group affiliated with Boston Harbor Now. The group meets monthly to create awareness, promote public enjoyment, and foster local stewardship of Boston’s 43-mile Harborwalk. For more information on FBHW membership, please contact Mike Manning, Chair, at [email protected].

Host or Publisher Boston Harbor Now and the Friends of the Boston Harborwalk