A Lively Market for a Lively Neighborhood

Established by order of President Thomas Jefferson 1805, this building constructed 1873, designed by Adolf Cluss, additions 1907-8 by Snowden Ashford.

Eastern Market, one of three public markets proposed in L’Enfant’s Plan, was established in 1805, by Presidential Proclamation, and originally located near the Navy Yard at 6th Street between K and L Streets, S.E. It was relocated to this site in 1873, as a new building, designed by Adolf Cluss, which is now known as South Hall. The Center and North Halls were added in 1908. Designated a D.C. Historic Landmark in 1964, the Market was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

Among the 70 buildings Cluss built in the Nation’s Capital and environs were two other public markets: the former Center Market ( c. 1872), the nation’s largest, at Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, N.W. and the Alexandria, Virginia Market House and City Hall ( c. 1873), on Cameron Street, which continues in use as the Alexandria City Hall.

Adolf Cluss, Architect:

Shaping a Capital City worthy of the Republic after the Civil War;

Born Heilbronn, Germany, July 14, 1825 - Died Washington, D.C., July 24, 1905.

Plaque dedicated October 2005, on the 200th anniversary of President Jefferson’s proclamation establishing the market and 100 years after the death of Adolf Cluss.

Anthony Williams

Mayor, Washington, D.C.

Helmut Himmelsbach

Lord Mayor, Heilbronn, Germany

Marker is on 7th Street, SE north of C Street, SE, on the right when traveling south.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources: