First Town Hall / Market House
On this site stood Fredericksburg’s first Town Hall / Market House built c. 1763. The building most likely had an arched lower level, brick upper floors and a cupola on the roof. During the early years, the Town Hall did not serve as a governmental building, but instead was a center for social events. After the Revolution, the building slowly evolved into the “semi-official” seat of government. The lower level of the building—the Market House—now housed the Clerk of the Market and functioned in tandem with the Market Square. The upper floors became the site of annual Council elections and public meetings. The first Town Hall was torn down in 1812 to make room for another larger public building. The second Town Hall still stands today and is located at the top of the alley.
Marker can be reached from Princess Anne Street south of William Street (Business Virginia Route 3).
Courtesy hmdb.org
