Historic City Market

A National Historic Landmark, the Old City Market first served the Charleston community in the early 1800’s. The property that houses the market was donated by the Pickneys, a wealthy family that insisted the land be used for the sole purpose of a city market. The construction of the main building, in Greek-revival style architecture, was completed by 1841 and is now home to the Daughters of the Confederacy Museum. The Hall once served as a recruiting station during the Civil War. Four additional brick buildings stand behind the main building, extending down Market Street from Meeting St. to East Bay St. The Old City Market originally supplied townspeople with necessities such as meats, fish, and local produce. Today more than 100 vendors occupy the open-faced buildings, selling a variety of local goods and crafts. Visitors will find locally crafted goods such as jewelry, tapestries, church dolls, quilts, afghans, rugs, beans, rice, sauces, local candies, and baked goods. One of the most popular vendors is the women who weave sweet-grass baskets, a tradition handed down from West-African slaves. The Old City Market is one of Charleston’s prime tourist destinations because of the cultural heritage that has been preserved and is displayed here. Vendors occupy the sheds seven days a week from early morning until 6 o’clock pm, staying open later on the weekends.