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 |
 |
| Arkansas. Exxon station, Magnolia, 1979 |
 |
| California. Cattoir Texaco, Arroyo Grande, 1977 |
 |
| California. Chevron station, Brentwood, 1977 |
 |
| California. Far-Go gas pumps, Main Street, Barstow, 1979 |
 |
| California. Golden Eagle gas pumps, 8th & Market Streets, San Diego, 1977 |
 |
| California. Gordon Spencer gas station, 4691 Huntington Drive, South Pasadena, 1977 |
 |
| California. Mattoon Service Station (pre-fabricated), angle view, National & Washington Boulevards, Culver City, 1977 |
 |
| California. Richfield Gas, Route 66, Cucamonga, 1978 |
 |
| California. Three Texaco gas pumps, Altadena, 1978 |
 |
| Connecticut. Leahy's Citgo gas station, horizontal view, Danbury, 1978 |
 |
| Georgia. Gas station, Kingsland, 1979 |
 |
| Kansas. Co-Op gas station, Cimarron, 1979 |
 |
| Kansas. DX gas pump, Rt. 59, Parsons, 1979 |
 |
| Louisiana. Roussel's Shell, La Place, 1979 |
 |
| Mississippi. Mammy's Cupboard, angle view, Route 61, Natchez, 1979 |
 |
| New Mexico. Economy Gasoline Co., Carlsbad, 1979 |
 |
| New York. Exxon Station, Long Island, 1976 |
 |
| New York. Rube & Sons Shell gas station, front view, Route 9, Poughkeepsie, 1976 |
 |
| New York. Shell gas station, 10th Avenue & 20th Street, New York City, 1977 |
 |
| Ohio. Union 76, Conneaut, 1977 |
 |
| Oklahoma. Gas station, Chickasha, 1979 |
 |
| Oklahoma. Gas station, Pawhuska, 1979 |
 |
| Oklahoma. Gibble Gas, Arcadia, 1979 |
 |
| Oklahoma. Gibble Gas, Norman, 1979 |
 |
| Oklahoma. Lindsey Tire Gas, Purcell, 1979 |
 |
| Oregon. Atlantic-Richfield gas, Portland, 1976 |
 |
| Texas. Gas station, Plainview, 1977 |
 |
| Texas. Museum gas station, Route 20, McNary, 1979 |
 |
| Texas. Save Way Gas, Amarillo, 1977 |
 |
| Wisconsin. Beacon (Mobil) gas station, overall view, 2116 S. 10th Avenue, Milwaukee, 1977 |
 |
| Wisconsin. Gas station, Beloit, 1977 |
 |
| Wisconsin. Pagoda gas station, Harley Sprague, Milwaukee, 1977 |
 |
| Wisconsin. Probst Shell, Jefferson, 1977 |
These are great photos. I worked part-time at a small, independent gas station/tire business during the 1970s. It was a great time to make a little money for college and meet interesting people. We had a cash box instead of a cash register, so you quickly learned to tally up sales and make change in your head. Fill the tank, check the oil, and clean the windshield. Those were the days.
ReplyDelete