Historic Charleston City Market
South Carolina
The Historic Charleston City Market, established in the 1790s, is a prominent market complex stretching over four city blocks in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. It features the architecturally significant Market Hall, designed in the Greek Revival style by Edward B. White in the early 1840s, which serves as a centerpiece with its raised story and Doric columned portico inspired by ancient temples. The market sheds extend east-west, housing a variety of vendors offering souvenirs, jewelry, and traditional Gullah sweetgrass baskets. Historically, the market replaced the earlier Beef Market after it burned down in 1796 and became a central hub for local farms and plantations to sell produce and meat. Over time, it evolved into a social gathering place for the community. The market is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, it also houses Charleston's Confederate Museum, adding to its cultural significance. The continuous sheds have been rebuilt multiple times due to natural disasters but maintain their historic charm and function.
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Astuce: Visit the market during weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience. Purchasing tickets or planning visits to the Confederate Museum housed within the market ahead of time is advisable. Discounts may be available for seniors and groups. Wear comfortable shoes as the market spans four blocks, and bring cash for small vendors who may not accept cards.
Faits intéressants
- •The Market Hall’s architectural design features metopes decorated with bucrania and rams' heads, symbolizing its historical function as a meat market.
- •Vultures, protected by law, were once a common sight at the market as they helped keep it clean by eating discarded meat scraps.
- •The market complex stretches approximately 1,240 feet (380 meters) through a continuous series of market sheds.
- •The City Market should not be confused with the Old Slave Mart Museum; enslaved people were never sold at the City Market.
- •Since 1899, the market has housed Charleston's Confederate Museum, adding a significant historical exhibition to the site.
Histoire
Charleston's public market tradition dates back to 1692 with the first Beef Market at Broad and Meeting streets.
After a fire in 1796 destroyed the Beef Market, the Centre Market was established on marshland donated by local landowners in 1788, with conditions to maintain its use as a market.
The initial market sheds were constructed around 1790 and expanded by 1806.
Market Hall was added in the 1840s, designed by Edward B.
White.
The market has undergone several renovations due to fire and earthquake damage but has remained a vital commercial and social center throughout Charleston's history.
Guide du lieu
Market Hall1840s
The Greek Revival-style centerpiece of the market, featuring a raised upper story with a portico supported by four Roman Doric columns. Its design draws inspiration from the Temple of Portunus and Temple of Athena Nike. The hall contains market stalls on its first story and is notable for its brownstone stucco exterior and decorative entablature with symbols of the meat market.
Market Shedscirca 1790 - early 19th century
A series of one-story rectangular market sheds extending east–west for four blocks, with open stalls and center walkways. These sheds have been rebuilt and renovated multiple times due to earthquakes, fires, and other disasters but continue to serve as vibrant vendor spaces selling crafts and local goods.
Confederate Museum1899
Located within the City Market since 1899, this museum houses artifacts and exhibits related to the Confederate States of America, providing historical context to Charleston's Civil War history.
Contact
Téléphone: (843) 937-0920