Downtown Harrisburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Market Square

December 26, 2022

1. Market Square Marker

Inscription. Here is situated the nationally renowned historic and contemporary urban hub of the City of Harrisburg and the Greater Harrisburg Metropolitan Area. Laid out as the center focus of John Harris, Jr.'s plan in 1785 when Harrisburg was a launching point for Western pioneer excursions and a trading center, Market Square has witnessed ongoing transformations driven by a town on the move. Originally occupying low swampy land, the Square was configured and improved to allow for the erection in 1792 of two central farmers markets to serve frontiersmen and residents alike. They remained the center of trade for the farmers of the region until more congested transportation activity and the development of the Chestnut, Allison Hill and Broad Street market houses caused their demise in 1889. Poised as a nucleus of street car activity and overall city hustle and bustle, the Square commanded the best inns and stores as well as Harrisburg's first multi-story office buildings and continued to evolve into the corporate and hotel center that it is today. Here is the site of many events and rallies. Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton

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and nearly every other U.S. President, and a host of others from Charles Dickens to the earliest pioneers, are but some of the millions of people who have visited this Square over the past 200 years.

Erected by The Harrisburg History Project Commissioned by Mayor Stephen R. Reed.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #42 William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton, and the Pennsylvania, The Harrisburg History Project series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1785.

Location. 40° 15.588′ N, 76° 52.906′ W. Marker is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. It is in Downtown Harrisburg. It is at the intersection of 2nd Street and Market Street, in the median on 2nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Market St, Harrisburg PA 17101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country,

and in the Susquehanna Valley.

It is also in

Market Square Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

December 26, 2022

2. Market Square Marker - wide view

the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Capital Of The Keystone State Preserved! (here, next to this marker); Prelude To Gettysburg (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Market Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Hilton Harrisburg and Towers (within shouting distance of this marker); Market Square During The Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); Dauphin Deposit Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Market Square Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Dauphin County Courthouses (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.

More about this marker.
[Captions:]
Market Square looking north in 1880 showing the market houses which were demolished in

Market Square, looking south toward Market Square Presbyterian Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by John K. Robinson, March 30, 2006

3. Market Square, looking south toward Market Square Presbyterian Church

1889.

Market Square's energy is captured in this 1908 view looking north.

Market Square postcard view looking south from the Union Trust Building in 1910. Note the Johnston Building (now the Menaker Building) left center before 5th and 6th floors were added.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Pennsylvania Historical Commission Market Square Marker

Photographed by John K. Robinson, March 6, 2009

4. Market Square Marker

Market Square, looking north, at night.

<i>Market Square in Wartime, Harrisburg, Pa.</i> image. Click for full size.

circa 1861

5. Market Square in Wartime, Harrisburg, Pa.

Utilizing the same perspective as the topmost photo on the marker, but 20 years earlier.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,437 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 6, 2025. 3. submitted on May 17, 2008, by John K. Robinson of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on August 2, 2009, by John K. Robinson of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 5. submitted on November 6, 2015.