Gas stations in the U.S. during the 1970s reflected both the golden age of the automobile and the turbulence of the energy crisis. Early in the decade, stations were still brightly branded hubs of car culture, offering not just fuel but also full-service amenities like oil checks, car washes, and friendly attendants. Iconic logos from companies such as Shell, Texaco, and Gulf dominated highways and small towns alike, creating instantly recognizable landmarks for travelers.
By the mid-1970s, however, the oil crisis reshaped the American gas station. Long lines of cars waiting for fuel became a defining image of the era, and many stations shifted from full-service to self-service as costs rose and consumer habits changed.
Despite these challenges, the visual language of 1970s gas stations—with their bold signage, neon lights, and period architecture—remains a nostalgic reminder of how deeply car culture shaped everyday American life. These vintage photos from The Library of Congress not only showcase the look of gas stations in the 1970s, but also reflect the culture, lifestyle, and changing spirit of America during that decade.
Florida. White City Gas, Boulogne, 1979
Arizona. Union 76 gas station, 4th & Stone, Tucson, 1979
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