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.
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. 