Summerville in Dorchester County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Colonial Dorchester

To Market, To Market

Photographed By Mike Stroud, September 13, 2009

1. Colonial Dorchester Marker

Inscription. Quiet and deserted today, this 'village green' once bustled with colonists buying, selling or trading livestock, supplies, and even slaves. Hoping that economics would spur growth, the 1723 Colonial legislature had decreed that weekly markets would be held here. This Market square, convenient to the all-important river, also hosted lively four-day fairs every April and October.

The marketplace was an easy stop for goods coming by river from Charles Towne or more-distant ports, and trade with the interior was also robust. The success of this local commercial center supported the development of surrounding settlements and Dorchester enjoyed a brief heyday.

(Left picture): By depicting markets similar to Dorchester's, 18th- century artworks can help us imagine the activity of market day, held at this location every Tuesday and Saturday in the 1720s.
(Right picture): Like modern shopping centers, the Dorchester market was convenient to homes and thoroughfares- in this case, the Ashley River. This 1742 map shows the marketplace's prime location.

Erected by South Carolina State Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1723.

Location. 32° 56.883′

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N, 80° 10.2′ W. Marker is in Summerville, South Carolina, in Dorchester County. Marker is on State Park Road, on the right when traveling west. Located .5 miles south of Dorchester Road ( State Road 642 )at Old Dorchester Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Summerville SC 29485, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Dorchester (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Colonial Dorchester (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Colonial Dorchester (within shouting distance of this marker); Linking Places and People (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bell Tower of St. George's (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Parish Church of St. George, Dorchester (about 400 feet away); Dorchester Free School (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Colonial Dorchester (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Summerville.

Left picture: the activity of market day image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Colonial Dorchester Marker

2. Left picture: the activity of market day

A Village Fair with a Mummer, 1702 (oil on canvas) by Rombouts, Solomon (1632-1702) © Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery/ The Bridgeman Art Library

Right picture: This 1742 map shows the marketplace's prime location. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Colonial Dorchester Marker

3. Right picture: This 1742 map shows the marketplace's prime location.

Colonial Dorchester , To Market Marker at the one-time Market green image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, September 13, 2009

4. Colonial Dorchester , To Market Marker at the one-time Market green

To Market Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, September 13, 2009

5. To Market Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,447 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 24, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.