Midtown in Harrisburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Broad Street Market

Photographed by William Pfingsten, March 30, 2008

1. Broad Street Market Marker

Inscription. The Broad Street Market consists of the oldest continuously operated market houses in the United States. By the advent of the Civil War, Harrisburg began to develop north of North Street onto the newly subdivided lands of William Verbeke, John Forster and John Fox. This growth generated the demand for a new farmers market, in addition to the original markets situated in the middle of Market Square since the end of the 18th Century. Thus was formed The West Harrisburg Market Company which in 1860 erected this stone market house at the head of Broad Street, or Verbeke Street, along the emerging artery of N. Third Street. From this intersection would rise a thriving business district anchored by the Broad Street Market. As growth intensified, a brick market, situated to the rear of the original stone market and designed with Palladium windows and clerestory roof treatment, was constructed in 1874 and expanded from west to east in 1877 and 1885 respectively. Originally, the market's setting was similar to the elongated Market Square with buildings facing on all sides tapering to Broad Street which continued onward to the east.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Still as vibrant as ever, with both buildings having been thoroughly restored by the City, and accent lighting, banners and central plaza added, the market remains hallmarked by the traditional offerings of fresh produce, poultry and meats supplied by area farmers and the "Pennsylvania Dutch."
Top Photo
1900 postcard view of the stone market house.
Middle Photo
C. 1890 view of brick market house from Fulton Street looking west.
Bottom Photo
Frame shed addition to stone market house in 1975 just prior to its demolition for central plaza area improvements.

Erected by The Harrisburg History Project Commissioned by Mayor Stephen R. Reed.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, The Harrisburg History Project series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.

Location. 40° 16.163′ N, 76° 53.331′ W. Marker is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. It is in Midtown. It is at the intersection of North 3rd Street and Verbeke Street, on the left when traveling north

Broad Street Market and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 15, 2024

2. Broad Street Market and Marker

on North 3rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1230 N 3rd St, Harrisburg PA 17102, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country,

and in the Susquehanna Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Harrisburg Resource Center (a few steps from this marker); Historic Midtown Market District (within shouting distance of this marker); Tabernacle Baptist Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Green Street Residences (about 700 feet away); Visionaries / Community Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); The African-American Business District that Became "Jackson Square" (approx. ¼ mile away); Engleton (approx. ¼ mile away); J. Horace McFarland

Broad Street Market image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Pfingsten, March 30, 2008

3. Broad Street Market

(approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.

Broad Street Market Plaza image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Pfingsten, March 30, 2008

4. Broad Street Market Plaza

Broad Street Market, brick building with stone building in background. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by John K. Robinson, April 3, 2010

5. Broad Street Market, brick building with stone building in background.

Farmer's stand seen in the brick building of the Broad Street Market. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by John K. Robinson, April 3, 2010

6. Farmer's stand seen in the brick building of the Broad Street Market.

View of the brick building interior, Broad Street Market image. Click for full size.

Photographed by John K. Robinson, February 27, 2010

7. View of the brick building interior, Broad Street Market

Credits. This page was last revised on December 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,592 times since then and 86 times this year. Last updated on July 24, 2017, by Christopher Eby of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1. submitted on March 31, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on December 10, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 3, 4. submitted on March 31, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 5, 6, 7. submitted on April 18, 2010, by John K. Robinson of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.