Southwest Waterfront in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

America's Oldest Operating Fish Market

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 30, 2017

1. America's Oldest Operating Fish Market Marker

Inscription. The Maine Avenue Fish Market is the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the United States. When it opened in 1805, Washington was the center of the local fish and oyster trade. In the 1900s, it was known for the “jolly fish packers,” and later saw the construction of the Municipal Fish Market. The seafood tradition carries on today with the barges and restaurants along the waterfront.

Erected by Hoffman Madison Waterfront LLC.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1805.

Location. 38° 52.776′ N, 77° 1.554′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Southwest Waterfront. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Wharf Street Southwest and District Square Southwest, on the left when traveling north. This marker is on the District Pier at DC Wharf in Southwest Washington. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 890 Water Street Southwest, Washington DC 20024, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Long Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Houseboats on the Waterfront (a few steps from this marker); Urban Renewal (a few steps from this marker); Creating the Waterfront

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Navigating the Potomac River (within shouting distance of this marker); "a magnificent waterfront entranceway…" (within shouting distance of this marker); Notley Young's Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 30, 2017

2. America's Oldest Operating Fish Market Marker

The Virginia Estelle image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 30, 2017

3. The Virginia Estelle

Cliff Evans
Fresh Fish
Crabmeat and Clams
Oysters
in
Pints Quarts
and GallonsClose-up of photo on marker

Shucking Clams image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 24, 2017

4. Shucking Clams

at the Maine Avenue Fish Market.

Captain White's image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 24, 2017

5. Captain White's

at the Maine Avenue Fish Market.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 495 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 7, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.