Downtown Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Old Market Square
Photographed by Jim Evans, November 9, 2012
1. Old Market Square Marker
Residents, farmers, peddlers and Indians all crowded here daily with wagon loads of goods to trade. Soon merchants were vying for permanent sites for stores. One early observer noted "reason for its popularity was that the municipal government was conducted in Kesler's Arcade, a saloon only a half block away."
In 1840 Houston's first municipal market house was built here. Before it was completed, city officials voted to enlarge it and include a city hall also. For 30 years building served dual role — the market overflowing till it reached the streets. Many items, including household and farm goods, were sold here.
It was here that Houston Independent Light Guard mobilized after Texas decided to invade Mexico, 1842.
Several municipal buildings occupied the site following original market-city hall. However, the seat of city government was eventually moved to a new location and this became a park.
Erected 1969 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 10724.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 29° 45.767′ N, 95° 21.712′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Downtown Houston. It is at the intersection of Congress Street and Travis Street, on the right when traveling east on Congress Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Houston TX 77002,
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Regionally, this marker is in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. 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 Republic of Texas, 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: Market Square Park (here, next to this marker); Market Square Park Timeline (here, next to this marker); The Houston Market Square Park Project (a few steps from this marker); Park Site Chronology (a few steps from this marker); The Kennedy Bakery (within shouting distance of this marker); United Airlines Flight 93 (within shouting distance of this marker); Lauren's Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); W. L. Foley Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.
Photographed by Jim Evans, November 9, 2012
2. Old Market Square
Marker can be seen behind the fire hydrant. It is very near the south west corner of Congress and Travis
Photographed by Jim Evans, November 9, 2012
3. Old Market Square Marker
Part of the column where the marker hangs. If you click on the picture to enlarge and study the words you can read the inscription.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,293 times since then and 88 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 14, 2021, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on November 14, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
