Eastern Market, Detroit Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Significant dates

Eastern Market Historic District
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district

Shed 2 at Eastern Market
Location	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Architect	Smith, Hinchman & Grylls
Architectural style	Early Commercial, Late Victorian
NRHP reference No.	78001518 (original) 06001330 (increase)
Added to NRHP	November 29, 1978
Boundary increase	February 1, 2007

Eastern Market is a famous historic market area in Detroit, Michigan. It's about one mile (1.6 km) northeast of the city's downtown. This market is bordered by Gratiot Avenue to the south and Mack Avenue to the north. St. Aubin Street is to the east, and Interstate 75 (I-75) is to the west.

Eastern Market was named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1974. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The market's size was made bigger in 2007. It is near St. Joseph Oratory and the Lafayette Park neighborhood. Since 2006, the Eastern Market has been run by the Eastern Market Corporation. This is a special partnership between the public and private groups.

Eastern Market is the largest historic public market area in the United States. Its farmer's distribution center is the biggest open-air flowerbed market in the country. It has more than 150 food and specialty businesses. On Saturdays, about 45,000 people come to shop at this historic market.

History of Eastern Market
What Eastern Market Offers Today
Gallery
Images for kids
See also

History of Eastern Market

How the Market Started

The first Farmer's Market in Detroit opened in 1841. It was located at Cadillac Square in the city's downtown area. In the 1850s, more markets started. One was on the east side of the city, which is where Eastern Market is today. Another was on the west side.

Eastern Market's Growth

At first, the eastern market sold mostly hay and wood. But in 1891, special sheds were built there. The Farmer's Market then moved from Cadillac Square to this new spot. It was renamed Eastern Market.

The market kept growing over the next few decades. More sheds were built in 1922 and 1929. After World War II, more businesses that sold food in large amounts moved to the area. Eastern Market became a very important place for distributing food.

Market Murals

In 1970, the stalls rented by farmers were painted. These paintings showed pictures of fruits, vegetables, and farm animals. Over time, these colorful murals became a symbol of Eastern Market.

What Eastern Market Offers Today

Market Size and Products

Today, the market covers about 43 acres (17 hectares). It is the biggest historic public market area in the United States. Eastern Market sells many different things. You can find fresh produce, meats, spices, and other special items.

Busy Saturdays

Saturdays are especially busy at the market. Farmers bring their poultry (like chickens) and livestock (like pigs or cows). They also bring fresh fruits and vegetables to sell.

How the Market is Run

Even though it's a large historic market, Eastern Market is run by a private group. This group is called the Eastern Market Corporation. They have managed the property since 2006. Since then, the market has improved its buildings. More people visit, and it has helped the surrounding neighborhood grow. Many people also like to gather at Eastern Market before Detroit Lions football games.

Nearby Shops and Events

Many art galleries, studios, and creative spaces have opened nearby. These include The Red Bull House of Art and OmniCorp Detroit. There are also unique restaurants, shops, and places for performances. You can find places like Trinosophes and People's Records. Other businesses, like 1xRun, also operate in the area.

The Detroit Festival of Books is a free event held every year. It takes place on the third Sunday in July at Eastern Market. More than 10,000 people attend this festival.