Market Square, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Market Square
Neighborhood of Harrisburg
South half of Market Square, as seen at night
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Dauphin County
City	Harrisburg
Area code(s)	717 and 223
Pennsylvania Historical Marker
Designated:	February 25, 1953

Market Square is a super important spot in Downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It's right where 2nd and Market Streets meet. This square was first created way back in 1785.

For a long time, Market Square has been the main center of the city. It's a place where people meet and find their way around. After the 1980s, the square became even more lively. New shops, homes, and businesses were built there.

Today, Market Square is a busy hub for Capital Area Transit (CAT) buses. It's also just one block from Riverfront Park. You can also see the Market Street Bridge nearby, which crosses the Susquehanna River.

History of Market Square

How Market Square Began

In 1785, John Harris, Jr., who founded Harrisburg, asked his son-in-law, William Maclay, to design the town. Maclay planned for 207 building lots, each a quarter-acre in size. The streets were set to be about 52 feet wide.

Market Street was meant to be the main road of the new town. It was planned to be 80 feet wide. Where Market Street crossed Second Street, Maclay made extra space. This extra space became what we now know as Market Square. It has been a key part of Harrisburg ever since.

Early Days and Public Gatherings

In the early days, two market "sheds" were placed in the middle of Market Square. People would come here to buy food and other goods. Wednesdays and Saturdays were the busiest market days. However, the market was open every day for fresh items.

Because everyone came to the market for food, it naturally became a place for important city events. It was a central spot for people to gather and hear news.

Famous Visitors and Speeches

Many important people have visited and spoken at Market Square:

• President George Washington spoke here on October 4, 1794. He talked to the crowd about the Whiskey Rebellion.
• On February 22, 1861, Abraham Lincoln gave a speech from his hotel in Market Square.
• Thousands of people gathered on October 24, 1960, to hear John F. Kennedy campaign for President.
• Other famous figures like Marquis De Lafayette, Daniel Webster, and General Ulysses S. Grant also spoke at Market Square.

Modern Events and Celebrations

Since the 1980s, Market Square has continued to be a lively place. Professional artists often perform open concerts there. It's also the spot for the "drop" during the city's New Year's Eve celebration.

Images for kids

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  Market Square looking north, around 1890

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  Market Square, with the Penn National Insurance Building (left) and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center (right)

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  A view of Market Square