Market Square, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Harrisburg's Market Square is located in Downtown Harrisburg at the intersection of 2nd and Market Streets. The square was created in 1785. Since then, it has traditionally been the navigational center of the city, and experienced a post-1980s revival, with the creation of several new commercial, residential and retail spaces.

Market Square
Neighborhood of Harrisburg
Market Square, as seen at night facing South
Market Square, as seen at night facing South
Country United States
StatePennsylvania
CountyDauphin County
CityHarrisburg
Area code(s)717 and 223
DesignatedFebruary 25, 1953[1]

Market Square serves as a hub for Capital Area Transit (CAT) buses. It is located one block from Riverfront Park and the Market Street Bridge, which crosses over the Susquehanna River.

History

John Harris, Jr. the founder of Harrisburg had his son-in-law, William Maclay, draw up a plan for the town in 1785. It allowed for 207 quarter-acre building lots aligned along streets set to a standard width of fifty-two feet six inches (16.00 m).[2] Market Street, envisioned as the grand avenue of the new town, was planned at eighty feet wide. Where it intersected with Second Street, Maclay planned in ample setbacks to allow for a “Market Square,” which has remained a prominent feature of Harrisburg to this present day.[2]

Since the 1980s, open concerts performed by professional artists have taken place at Market Square.[3]

40.259628°N 76.881903°W / 40.259628; -76.881903

  • Market Square looking north, c. 1890
    Market Square looking north, c. 1890
  • Market Square, Penn National Insurance Building (left), Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center (right)
    Market Square, Penn National Insurance Building (left), Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center (right)

See also

References
  1. "PHMC Historical Markers Search" (Searchable database). Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 2014-01-25.
  2. Market Square, Harrisburg, PA George F. Nagle and Afrolumens Project, 2010. Retrieved 2011-01-28.
  3. Market Square Concerts Retrieved 2011-01-28.
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