The establishment of a markethouse dates back to the founding of Lancaster itself. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, the land that would become the City of Lancaster was owned by Andrew Hamilton. On May 15, 1730, Hamilton and his wife deeded three lots for three specific uses -- a courthouse, a jail, and a markethouse -- to be clustered around the town square (originally called Centre Square, and later Penn Square). A public market was recognized as a cornerstone of a stable and civil society.
Set within a region of abundantly rich farmland, Lancaster's growing urban population was sustained by four Victorian markethouses, both public and private, that were built in each quadrant of the City, in addition to Central Market. Three additional markets opened in the twentieth century.
Today, Central Market remains a viable and vibrant markethouse. Four former markethouse buildings still stand in the City, a legacy of Lancaster's historic market tradition.
Central Market Penn Square The present markethouse, built in 1889 in the Romanesque Revival style, follows a succession of sheds and other market structures constructed in this vicinity since 1730. The round arched main entry is highlighted by a pattern of polychromatic stone masonry within the pediment. This markethouse was designed by architect James H. Warner. Read more about the long history of Central Market, pull up a map of its stands, and find out about renting a stall.
Southern Market 100 South Queen Street Built in 1888 in the Queen Anne style, this building displays ornamental terra cotta and decorative brickwork, and is anchored by two pyramidal tower. The building was designed by Lancaster architect C. Emlen Urban. Closed as a market in 1986, the building now houses City Council Chambers.
Eastern Market 308 East King Street Built in 1883 to serve residents in the City's eastern end, this is Lancaster's only Second Empire style markethouse, with the characteristic bell-curved mansard roof atop a three-story corner tower. Closed as a markethouse in 1927, modern display windows were later added to the building's first floor. The building now houses offices.
Western Market 528 West Orange Street Built in 1882 as a three-story markethouse in the Romanesque Revival style, this building featured seven bays defined by blind arches and corbelled brickwork. After closing as a market, it was converted to a skating rink, and was later reduced to one story by a 1942 fire. The building now houses offices.
Fulton Market 607 North Plum Street (1907) One of Lancaster's twentieth-century markets, this brick Colonial Revival building included residential space within its flanking wings. It was designed by Lancaster architect C. Emlen Urban, nineteen years after he designed Southern Market. This market, together with the Fulton Hotel located just to the north, formed the "shopping center" of the McGrann Park development. Today the building includes retail space and apartments.
Northern Market If it were still standing today, this building would be Lancaster's oldest Victorian era markethouse, having been constructed in 1872. Northern Market was located at the corner of North Queen and West Walnut Streets (at the present site of Lebzelters service station). Sadly, this building was torn down in the 1958.
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The establishment of a markethouse dates back to the founding of Lancaster itself. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, the land that would become the City of Lancaster was owned by Andrew Hamilton. On May 15, 1730, Hamilton and his wife deeded three lots for three specific uses -- a courthouse, a jail, and a markethouse -- to be clustered around the town square (originally called Centre Square, and later Penn Square). A public market was recognized as a cornerstone of a stable and civil society.
Set within a region of abundantly rich farmland, Lancaster's growing urban population was sustained by four Victorian markethouses, both public and private, that were built in each quadrant of the City, in addition to Central Market. Three additional markets opened in the twentieth century.
The present markethouse, built in 1889 in the 
Built in 1888 in the 
Built in 1883 to serve residents in the City's eastern end, this is Lancaster's only 
Built in 1882 as a three-story markethouse in the 
One of Lancaster's twentieth-century markets, this brick 
If it were still standing today, this building would be Lancaster's oldest Victorian era markethouse, having been constructed in 1872. Northern Market was located at the corner of North Queen and West Walnut Streets (at the present site of Lebzelters service station). Sadly, this building was torn down in the 1958.