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Market House: A Symbol of Fayetteville

Discover Fayetteville's historic Market House: a landmark with a unique past and architectural significance in the heart of downtown.

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The Market House in Fayetteville, NC, is a historic landmark that has served as a market and town hall. Built in 1838 on the site of a former state house, it's a unique architectural example with a complex history, including its role in the slave trade. Today, it stands as a reminder of the city's past and a focal point for downtown Fayetteville.

A brief summary to Market House

  • Gillespie St, Fayetteville, Terry Sanford, North Carolina, 28301, US

Local tips

  • Explore the shops, cafes, and galleries surrounding Market House to experience the local atmosphere.
  • Visit during local events or farmers' markets to experience the Market House as a community hub.
  • Take photos of the unique architecture, including the cupola and open-air design.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Market House is located at the intersection of Person, Gillespie, Green, and Hay Streets in downtown Fayetteville. From most points in downtown, it is easily accessible on foot. Be mindful of traffic as you approach the central traffic circle.

  • Public Transport

    The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) provides bus service to the downtown area. Several routes stop near the Market House. Check the FAST website or app for schedules and route information. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Parking

    Street parking is available around the Market House, but it can be limited. Paid parking is enforced from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. The rate is $1 per hour. There are also parking decks located a few blocks away, such as the Franklin Street Parking Deck, where the first hour is free and then $1 per hour with a $5 daily max.

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Discover more about Market House

The Market House, located in the heart of downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a distinctive structure with a rich and complex history. Built in 1838, it replaced the old state house and town hall that were destroyed in the devastating fire of 1831. For a brief period, Fayetteville served as the capital of North Carolina from 1789 to 1794, adding to the historical significance of the site. The Market House is an example of a market house and town hall combination, featuring an arcaded open ground level and a meeting hall above. This architectural style, originating in the British Isles, is rare in the United States. The open ground floor historically served as a marketplace where farmers, butchers, and other vendors sold their goods. The upper level functioned as the town hall until the early 20th century. Over the years, the Market House has been a central point for commerce and community gatherings. However, its history also includes the difficult reality that enslaved people were sold at the Market Square. This aspect of its past is acknowledged with a plaque inside the building that honors those who were enslaved. Today, the Market House is a National Historic Landmark. While the interior is not always open to the public , the building remains a symbol of Fayetteville and a reminder of its layered history.

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