Downtown Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Market Square

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 18, 2020

1. Market Square Marker

Inscription. Before selling Memphis lots, developers set aside this park as Market Square in 1819. Facing it was the first courthouse, built in 1820, which was also used as a church and newspaper office. Near the square was a frontier hotel, the first bank, and the first public school building, completed in 1872. The First Playground Association equipment was installed here in 1909, following its designation as Brinkley Park in 1906.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 68.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1819.

Location. 35° 9.132′ N, 90° 2.958′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Downtown Memphis. Marker is on Market Avenue just west of North 2nd Street (Tennessee Highway 3), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 290 N Main St, Memphis TN 38103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Court House, First Newspaper (within shouting distance of this marker); Pre-Civil War Lynching at Market Square (within

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shouting distance of this marker); First Tavern (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Congregation B'Nai Israel (about 500 feet away); St. Mary's Catholic Church (about 600 feet away); Lauderdale Courts / Presley Family at Lauderdale Courts (about 700 feet away); Josiah T. Settle (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Memphis Waterfront (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 18, 2020

2. Market Square Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 287 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.