Petersburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Farmers Market
The octagonal building stands on land given to the Town of Petersburg in 1876 by Robert Bolling, an affluent early merchant, in trust always to be used as a market site. Erected in 1878-1879, the present market building is the fourth to have been built on this site. The first building was constructed in 1787, the second in 1805 and the third after the fire which ravaged this area on July 16, 1815. Particularly noteworthy are the fine cast-iron roof brackets, wooden roof structural system, and corbelled brick at the cornice line.
The architect of the building was Major B.J. Black, originally from Petersburg but living in Richmond at the time he was awarded the commission by the City Council. The main building was known as the Meat House and contained twenty butcher stalls. The design included a large refrigerator in the center of the octagon. Running north from the Meat House were the hucksters' stands and on the north side of the square there was a fish house. Extending around the building is a twelve foot shed intended for the exclusive use of the farmers.
The building was altered in 1952. The rear shed behind
this page online
Erected by City of Petersburg, Virginia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is July 16, 1815.
Location. 37° 14′ N, 77° 24.258′ W. Marker has been reported damaged. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. It is on East Old Street just west of Cockade Alley, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 E Old St, Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds 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 8 other
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 6, 2026
2. Farmers Market Marker
Unfortunately, the marker has continued to weather.
Other markers no longer nearby. Old Market Square (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Petersburgs Old Towne (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Touring Old Towne (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named City Sights (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Petersburg Region (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with
Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,231 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 9, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on September 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on May 9, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
