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All the United States Pennsylvania Lancaster Central Market

Central Market

The oldest farmer's market in America is so ancient it was approved by the King of England.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Added By
Thomas Harper
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Central Market   lulun & kame on Flickr
Central Market   lulun & kame on Flickr
Central Market   Thomas Harper
Central Market   Daderot on Wikipedia
Amish goods   Planetpinto / Atlas Obscura User
the Central Market from as seen from a little bit away   Megan Graupensperger / Atlas Obscura User
Market inside   Planetpinto / Atlas Obscura User
For all your pickled needs!   michellemobarrett / Atlas Obscura User
Taken from across the street to capture new way-finding signs. [2019?]   donnatalarico / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States, fresh produce has been sold here in Pennsylvania Dutch country since the 1730s when it was legitimized by official decree from the King of England himself.

When the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania was first founded as Hickory Town, town planner James Hamilton created a 120-foot square space to serve as a centrally located marketplace. King George II granted the market permanent status in 1742, and the market has kept operating in the same area since. Starting as an open-air venue and then using small sheds, Central Market is now housed in a Romanesque Revival building built in 1889.

Produce and meats from nearby farms have always been a staple of Central Market, and continue to be sold today alongside baked goods, flowers, candy, herbs, and specialties from the Amish community as well as Greek, Italian, German, Thai, African, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Once a small open-air marketplace in colonial Pennsylvania fields, Lancaster's Central Market continues to bring local foods to modern city residents even without the king's approval.

Related Tags

Markets Farms Shops

Community Contributors

Added By

thomasharper

Edited By

EricGrundhauser, donnatalarico, michellemobarrett, Planetpinto...

  • EricGrundhauser
  • donnatalarico
  • michellemobarrett
  • Planetpinto
  • Megan Graupensperger

Published

September 30, 2014

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Sources
  • http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/shop/worlds-best-fresh-markets-316265
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Market_%28Lancaster%29
  • http://www.padutchcountry.com/members/lancaster_central_market.asp
Central Market
23 North Market Street
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17603
United States
40.038621, -76.306838
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Nearby Places

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Lancaster, Pennsylvania

miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Lancaster

Lancaster

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Nearby Places

'Newspaper Reader'

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

miles away

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Lancaster, Pennsylvania

miles away

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Lancaster, Pennsylvania

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Lancaster

Lancaster

Pennsylvania

Places 6
Stories 3

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