Oldest continuously operating public market system in the US
The city of Baltimore currently has six public markets across the city. The Baltimore Public Market System is the oldest continuously operating public market system in the United States.[1] Today, the markets are administered by the Baltimore Public Market Corporation, which was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization.[2]
History
In 1751, twenty years after the founding of Baltimore Town, the first public market house was introduced.[3] Twelve years later, the first market was constructed. At the peak of their operation, there were eleven markets across the city.[4] Responsibility for the markets interchanged to the Baltimore Comptroller's Office in 1857, and then transferred again to the Mayor's Office in 1983.[5]
Serves the Federal Hill-SoBo neighborhoods of Baltimore. In 2015, it was announced that the market would be renovated.[8] Work began in 2018, with a reopening in phases beginning in May, 2019.[9]
Built on land provided by John Eager Howard,[11] this is one of the longest-running public markets in the world. The market also features notable Baltimore foods, such as Berger Cookies and Faidley's Seafood.
The private market included 12 stores and a bowling alley.[14] Since its closing in the 1960s, the structure has been converted for retail and entertainment for Station North Arts and Entertainment District.