Georgetown in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Georgetown's First Market
The citizens of Georgetown were already raising money for good causes two centuries ago. In 1796 the Mayor of Georgetown, Daniel Reintzel, was authorized to demolish a frame market house that stood on this site and erect a new brick market building. Funds for the new market were to be raised by voluntary contribution from the citizens of Georgetown.
During the decades of profitable operation of the adjacent Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which made Georgetown a thriving commercial port, the Old Georgetown Market was enlarged. But by the end of the Civil War the market was worn out and was torn down and rebuilt again. One hundred years later, the U.S. Congress declared the market a historic landmark, and required that it be preserved and used only as a farmers market. So what began in revolutionary times as a butcher's market is still functioning as a market today — perhaps the finest remaining symbol of Georgetown's long commercial history.
Georgetown continues its tradition of volunteering funds for worthy projects. Just like for the Old Georgetown Market, funds for the restoration of this, and all other police and fire call boxes in Georgetown were raised by voluntary contributions from its proud citizens and business leaders.
Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the DC, Art on Call series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1796.
Location. 38° 54.303′ N, 77° 3.91′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Georgetown. Marker is at the intersection of M Street Northwest and Potomac Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east on M Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3276 M Street Northwest, Washington DC 20007, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Let the Good Times Roll (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Canal House (about 500 feet away); The City Tavern (about 600 feet away); Wormley School (about 600 feet away); Crossroads of Georgetown (about 700 feet away); Potomac No. 5 (about 700 feet away); Forrest Marbury House (about 700 feet away); Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Also see . . .
1. Georgetown Market. (Submitted on February 12, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
2. Georgetown Market, National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 27, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 277 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on March 7, 2020, by Bruce Guthrie of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 27, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
