Center Market Vendor

Center Market (located at Pennsylvania Avenue and 7th Street, NW) was a hub of activity for the District of Columbia's African American population during the 1800s. Both free and enslaved African Americans bought and sold produce at the market and operated stalls before and after Emancipation. This unknown woman, photographed in 1890, ran her own stall, possibly the one just behind her. [Photo: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division] [Info: Histories of the National Mall]

Once the largest commercial market in Washington, Center Market opened in 1801. The original buildings were replaced in 1872 by a building designed by German architect, Adolph Cluss. The market was close to the Washington City Canal, railroads, and streetcar lines. It was demolished in 1931 and is the current site of the National Archives. Vendors sold all manner of goods inside: produce, meat and fish, and staples. Because of its access to transportation, Center Market was able to sell goods that had been grown or produced far away.