Public Good 1801-1870
Center Market stood on the National Mall a few blocks from the Capitol Building.
The public market provided city-dwellers with fresh produce, and gave country farmers a place to sell their goods. Proceeds from renting the market sheds were donated to the city’s poor fund.
"Center Market Prior to 1870"
This pen and ink drawing portrays the wooden sheds of Old Center Market, built in 1801.
Courtesy DC Public Library, Washingtoniana Division
Bordered by the Washington Canal, the swampy land was also known as ‘Marsh Market'.
"Map of the city of Washington D.C.”
In the early nineteenth century, downtown Washington D.C. was a mix of buildings, wetlands, and forest. This 1851 map includes Center Market.
Courtesy Library of Congress,
Geography and Map Division