Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
First Town Hall
⎯⎯⎯
Market House
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, June 5, 2007
1. First Town Hall / Market House Marker
On this site stood Fredericksburg’s first Town Hall / Market House built c. 1763. The building most likely had an arched lower level, brick upper floors and a cupola on the roof. During the early years, the Town Hall did not serve as a governmental building, but instead was a center for social events. After the Revolution, the building slowly evolved into the “semi-official” seat of government. The lower level of the building—the Market House—now housed the Clerk of the Market and functioned in tandem with the Market Square. The upper floors became the site of annual Council elections and public meetings. The first Town Hall was torn down in 1812 to make room for another larger public building. The second Town Hall still stands today and is located at the top of the alley.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1763.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 18.198′ N, 77° 27.576′ W. Marker was in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It could be reached from Princess Anne Street south of William Street (Business Virginia Route 3). Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 907 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. The Market Square (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Second Town Hall / Market House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Stating Inalienable Rights (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Weedon’s Tavern (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, June 4, 2007
2. Excavation at Market Square
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. The linked marker has replaced this marker.
Also see . . . First Town Hall and Market House. Fredericksburg Historical Markers website entry (Submitted on December 12, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,302 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on June 10, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
