Centre Market Square in Wheeling in Ohio County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
The Lower Market House
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 6, 2024
1. The Lower Market House Marker
Wheeling architect Edward B. Franzheim designed this building that consists of timber and wrought iron scissor trusses resting on brick piers. In keeping with the purpose of the building, four different terra cotta animal medallions flank the central arches. A bull's head and a ram to the center east and a stallion and boar to the center west.
Wheeling had a reputation for having the finest market around. Fresh fish, varieties of meats, cheese and hand churned butter, along with a medley of fresh fruits and vegetables were available to the public.
As the market stalls were filled, the selling commenced. The familiar calls of the vendors rang out through the aisles as each merchant, in competition with each other, called out their specials for the day.
Activity around the markets increased with the addition of the second building. Traffic jams of wagons and carriages were commonplace as the citizens competed with the local trolley for right-of-way. Each day as the markets closed most vendors sighed with relief and looked forward to
this page online
Erected by Wheeling Heritage.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 40° 3.513′ N, 80° 43.48′ W. Marker is in Wheeling, West Virginia, in Ohio County. It is in Centre Market Square. It is at the intersection of 23rd Street and Market Street, on the right when traveling west on 23rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2200 Market Street, Wheeling WV 26003, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Northern Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Ohio River Valley, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Flaccus Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Thoner House (within shouting distance of this marker); Nesbitt House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lotz House (within shouting distance of this marker); Holliday-Schaefer House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Michael Treiber House (about 300 feet away); Bernard Klieves House (about 400 feet away); 2300 Chapline Street (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wheeling.
More about this marker. Building is the centerpiece
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 6, 2024
2. The Lower Market House Marker
Also see . . . Centre Market Square National Register Historic District Nomination Form. (Submitted on October 24, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 24, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
