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Historic Charleston City Market

  • charleston city market (map)

In 1788, Charles Pinckney ceded the land to the City of Charleston for the express use as a public market, and he stipulated that the land must remain in use as a market for perpetuity.

To fulfill this requirement, the low buildings—sheds—that stretch from Market Hall to the waterfront were built between 1804 and the 1830s. These sheds originally housed meat, vegetable, and fish vendors; each booth rented for $1.00 per day, or $2.00 if the booth had a slab of marble used to keep the meat or fish cold. Butchers often threw meat scraps into the street, much to the delight of local buzzards, which were nicknamed Charleston Eagles. Over the years, the sheds have survived many disasters, including fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and bombardment.

Today, the market is filled with vibrant vendors and we are honored to be given the opportunity to share our modern apothecary wares with the good people of Charleston.

Earlier Event: October 30
Thrifters & Drifters
Later Event: November 12
Buy Local Block Party