Last updated: August 8, 2023
Place
Carl's
Photograph courtesy of Jennifer Glass, via Flickr, all rights reserved
Quick Facts
Location:
2200 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, Virginia
Significance:
Architecture, Commerce
Designation:
Listed in the National Register - Reference number 05000642
MANAGED BY:
Carl's, also known as Carl's Frozen Custard, in Fredericksburg, Virginia was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. The frozen custard stand is significant as a roadside business that emerged as commercial structures on major roadways became more common in the 1940s and 50s, as well as its continuous role in Fredericksburg's social and economic life.
While automobiles had already began to reshape American culture from their inception in the early 20th century, those changes were intensified by the Interstate Commerce Act and the federal government's plan to build a network of superhighways in 1944. With this new infrastructure, businesses like gas stations, motels, and drive-in restaurants began to develop alongside major roadways, including Carl's.
Carl's was founded by Carl Sponseller in 1947, in an abandoned gas station and restaurant. That same year, five other frozen custard establishments opened in Fredericksburg; only Carl's is still in operation. These custard stands took advantage of not only the new roadways, but also a growing interest in recreational eating that was inspired by automobiles. In 1953, the stand's current location was built, featuring a prominent neon sign on the building's roof. Roadside stands like Carl's were designed to both attract customers with eye-catching signs and architecture, and accommodate as many cars as possible for the lowest investment.
The stand continues to be operated by members of the Sponseller family, and is open from the months of February through November.
While automobiles had already began to reshape American culture from their inception in the early 20th century, those changes were intensified by the Interstate Commerce Act and the federal government's plan to build a network of superhighways in 1944. With this new infrastructure, businesses like gas stations, motels, and drive-in restaurants began to develop alongside major roadways, including Carl's.
Carl's was founded by Carl Sponseller in 1947, in an abandoned gas station and restaurant. That same year, five other frozen custard establishments opened in Fredericksburg; only Carl's is still in operation. These custard stands took advantage of not only the new roadways, but also a growing interest in recreational eating that was inspired by automobiles. In 1953, the stand's current location was built, featuring a prominent neon sign on the building's roof. Roadside stands like Carl's were designed to both attract customers with eye-catching signs and architecture, and accommodate as many cars as possible for the lowest investment.
The stand continues to be operated by members of the Sponseller family, and is open from the months of February through November.