Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Market House Square

Walking Tour Stop 7

Photographed By Shane Oliver, October 30, 2021

1. Market House Square Marker

Inscription. In their 1751 plan for Carlisle, the Penn family designated a portion of the Square to be used as a market. From 1751 until 1952 a market was held on this spot.

Markets were held twice a week, and were overseen by the Clerk of the Market who was required to attend with his scales to validate the weight of goods sold.

At least three market buildings stood here over the years. A 1760s map depicts an open-air building facing High Street. It was destroyed by a violent windstorm in 1836, and a similar structure replaced it the following year.

The last Market House, a grandiose Victorian structure, was built in 1878. Market business took place on the open first floor, while the second floor housed various Borough offices. Despie a valiant preservation effort by a group of townspeople and farmers, the building was demolished in 1952, making way for the “new” Court House.

Erected by Historic Carlisle, Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Government & Politics • Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1751.

Location. 40° 12.07′ N, 77° 11.339′ W. Marker is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in

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Cumberland County. Marker is at the intersection of Hanover Street (Pennsylvania Route 34) and High Street (Pennsylvania Route 74), on the right when traveling north on Hanover Street. Marker is in front of the main entrance to the county courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Town Pump (a few steps from this marker); The McClintock Riot (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Downtown Carlisle (within shouting distance of this marker); The Shelling of Carlisle (within shouting distance of this marker); Cumberland County (within shouting distance of this marker); Forbes Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial Courtyard (within shouting distance of this marker); Historical Directory of Carlisle (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 20, 2009

2. Market House Square Marker

County Courthouse in background.

Market House Square Marker Photograph image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 20, 2009

3. Market House Square Marker Photograph

View looking across the Square at the new Market House in 1878.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 941 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 19, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2, 3. submitted on May 31, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.