French Quarter in New Orleans in Orleans Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
The French Market
Rebuilt 1936-1938
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 26, 2011
1. The French Market Marker - Panel 1
Ancient French Market dates its legal birth from September 10, 1784, when the “Authorities of Justice and Administration” decided that all retailers in the city should conduct their businesses on this spot.
In 1791 the first market structure was completed. Destroyed by a hurricane in 1812, it was replaced in 1813 by the building now housing the meat and retail fish markets. Although the interior was modernized in 1936 – 1938, the walls and supporting columns are just as erected in 1815. Other market structures were built at various times between 1813 and 1872.
Millions of feet have trod this bartering spot in centuries of trading, for Indians traded here long before the French came. May yours tread pleasantly here and bring you happiness.
[Panel 2]:
Rehabilitated French Market
Dedicated March 19, 1938
French Market was rehabilitated in 1936-1938 under direction of the French Market Corporation composed of business men of this market neighborhood and by the authority of a franchise granted by the commission council of New Orleans. Financing of the reconstruction was the result of cooperative efforts by the corporation, Public Works Administration of the United States, City of New Orleans, the State of Louisiana, Orleans Levee Board and the business
this page online
The architectural integrity of the historic market structures has been retained throughout. The interiors have been modernized to conform to refrigeration and sanitary trends of 1938, but the French Market show-place of New Orleans, the most ancient mart in the Mississippi Valley, remains the same.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is March 19, 1858.
Location. 29° 57.539′ N, 90° 3.642′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans Parish. It is in the French Quarter. It is on Decatur Street near North Peters Street and Saint Philip Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Orleans LA 70116, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s River Parishes. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, on the Gulf Coast, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Calle de San Felipe (within shouting distance of this marker); 530 Saint Philip Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Evans Creole Candy Factory (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named French Market (about 400 feet away); Calle de Conde (about 500 feet away); Camino Real y Muelle (about 500 feet away); Provincial Motel (about 500 feet away); 1030-1032 Rue de Chartres (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Orleans.
More about this marker. This marker is composed of two panels,
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 26, 2011
2. The French Market Marker - Panel 2
Regarding The French Market. Since the 1936-1938 renovation the French Market has undergone additional renovation, most notably in the 1970s.
Also see . . . The French Market - history. (Submitted on January 12, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 26, 2011
3. The French Market Marker
The two panels of this marker are on the right.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 26, 2011
4. The New Place de France
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 26, 2011
5. The New Place de France
Photographed by Mike Stroud, April 1, 2012
6. The French Market, as mentioned
Maid of Orleans
1412 - 1431
A gift from
the people of France
to the citizens of
New Orleans
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 22, 2011
7. The French Market
Postcard by J. Scordill, circa 1910
8. French Market, New Orleans, La. Pre-restoration.
Pstcard by New Orleans News Co., circa 1940
9. The French Market, New Orleans, La. Post-restoration.
The back of the postcard reads: The French Market extends four blocks, costing $30,000. It is the most remarkable and characteristic spot in New Orleans. Under its roof every language is spoken. The buyers are men and women of all races. The Gascon butchers, Moors, Italians and German vegetable women, Chinese, Hindus, Jews, Teutons, French and Creoles, Spanish and Malays, Irish and English, all uniting in a ceaseless babel of tongues that is simply bewildering.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,117 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 12, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 6. submitted on April 8, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 7. submitted on January 12, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 8, 9. submitted on February 27, 2015. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
