Annabelle Le
His 211 field research paper
Fall 2011

Eastern Market

Among the historical sites in Washington D.C, Eastern Market is unique. It is not a monument which is unchanged and does not have any interactions with humans or a museum which is also a public place, but the activities are so limited. Eastern Market’s history reflects the trends in the history of D.C as well as the United States. Its history does not stop from its dedication, and will not only list the different renovations it has endured. The history of Eastern Market is told and is written by the people involve with it.
Eastern Market has long been a core element in Capitol Hill – the historic district. It is situated at 225 7th street SE, close to C street SE and across from the Eastern Market Metro Station. The Market was built in 1873, basing on the design of Adolf Cluss. The Market has stood tall since the day it was constructed and its history of survival granted it the title of the oldest continuously operating food market in Washington D.C. Initially, the Market consisted of only the South Hall; afterwards, in 1908, the Center and North Halls were erected. These halls were designed by the Inspector of Buildings of D.C.’s Office of Public Works Snowdon Ashford (Holwill). In 1964, Eastern Market became a D.C Historic Landmark and in 1971 it was given a place on the National Register of Historic Places (Holwill). Eastern Market opens every day except Monday. There is also the Flea Market at Eastern Market which operates on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and the Farmers Market at Eastern Market which opens every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m to 5 p.m year-round. Eastern Market has long been considered the heart of Capitol Hill neighborhood, however not all of the shoppers are from around the area. The Market also attracts many people from other parts of D.C as well as tourists. It is accessible by the metro system or any types of transportation though parking can prove difficult during weekend. Inside the historic building, there are 14 vendors (“Indoor merchants”) selling a variety of products including fruits, flowers, fish, beef, pork, lamb, poultry, pasta, pastry, sausages, etc. Many of the stores have been operating business in the Market for a long time like Calomiris Fruits and Vegetables and Union Meat Company, LLC. Not all of the products in the Market are brought straight from farms, however. There are also strawberries from Giant and Driscoll’s blueberries. Outside, the farmers market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, sauces, cheese as well as homemade soap, and a variety of handicrafts, ranging from jewelry to toys, pictures, quilt, with jewelry being the most prevalent product. Another specialty of the Farmers Market at Eastern Market is the food stands. The line at the crepes stand is always the longest, but one can also choose to enjoy other kinds of food that can be identified with the Market including gumbo, pretzels, and tiny donuts. On a nice Saturday or Sunday, there are always sights of families with kids or dogs strolling from stand to stand in the farmers market. A little further West is the Flea Market at Eastern Market, situated in the Hine School yard at 7th and C streets SE (“Welcome”). This flea market is one of the largest in the whole nation, hosting “up to 100 exhibitors from five continents” (“Welcome”). In the flea market, one can find a plethora of products from pottery to posters, from apparels to carpets as well as different types of antiques, collectibles, jewelry, etc. Street music performers entertain the shoppers with playful tunes played by the African drums, the violins or maybe the saxophone. It is hard to deny the fun at Eastern Market, especially on weekend.
Pierre L’Enfant’s plan for the District of Columbia involved three public markets – Center, Western and Eastern. The first Eastern Market at 7th and L street SE was approved by President Thomas Jefferson in