Charleston’s City Market

Charleston’s first public market was established in 1692, although formal brick structures were not added until 1739. By the 1790’s, this was primarily the city’s beef market. A devastating fire in 1796 destroyed most of the market (which, at that time was known as the “Centre Market”). Afterwards, a four block series of farmer’s ”sheds” replaced the old market. Throughout the 19th century, this was THE place for local farmers to sell beef and produce, as well as a social gathering place. Soon, fish and general merchandise were added to the list of selling products. Since 1899, the market also housed Charleston’s Confederate Museum , under the sponsorship of the Daughters of the Confederacy. A series of devastating tornadoes tore through Charleston in September of 1938, extensively damaging the market, but the community came together and quickly repaired the damage. Today, vendors sell everything from Gullah sweet grass baskets, to jewelry, to souvenirs. This is one of Charleston’s top tourist attractions.

The main entrance to City Market faces onto Meeting Street with Charleston’s Conferste Museum at the top of the stairs.

While the Market’s beginnings were as a beef and produce sellers place, today, it primarily caters to tourist products...

...from candles...

...to sweet grass baskets,..

...to books and other items.

A 1910 postcard depicts the origins of the location as primarily a farmers’ market...

...and this old painting shows the “sheds” out behind the Confederate Museum entranceway.