Old Market (Louisville, Georgia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Market
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Market in August 2020
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | U.S. 1 (Bus) (Broad Street) at Georgia State Route 24 (Mulberry Street), Lousiville, Georgia |
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| Part of | Louisville Commercial Historic District (ID93001469) |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000991 |
| Added to NRHP | February 17, 1978 |
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The Old Market is a historic open-air building located in the middle of Louisville, Georgia. It was built around 1795 when Louisville was the capital city of Georgia. This structure was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 17, 1978. While it was mainly used as a public market, it was also sometimes called the "Slave Market" because some people believed it was used to sell enslaved people. In 2020, after many public discussions, the city council of Louisville decided to remove the structure from the town.
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What is the Old Market?
The Old Market is a unique building with an open-air design. It is shaped like a square, with each side being 24 feet long. The roof is pyramid-shaped, and there is a steeple at the very top that holds a bell.
Its Design and Location
Four strong wooden beams support each side of the market. In the 1950s, the building got a new roof and a cement floor. The old wooden beams, which were starting to rot, were made stronger with iron.
The Old Market stands in the middle of a wide area on Broad Street. This spot is right where Broad Street meets Mulberry Street. Today, a low brick wall and some bushes surround the market. These were added more recently.
A Look at Its History
The market was built between 1795 and 1798. We know this from old newspapers and other historical records. It was first built as a "market house." It was used for official sales, like selling property or furniture.
However, over time, it became known as the "Slave Market." This was because some people thought it was used to sell enslaved people. But recent studies have raised questions about whether it was actually used for this purpose.
Why the Old Market Caused Controversy
In June 2020, many people in Louisville started talking about the Old Market. A petition was created to ask for the market to be removed from the town. This petition quickly gathered 4,000 signatures. It is important to know that Louisville has about 2,500 residents, and about 30% of them are Black.
Public Protests and City Council's Decision
On June 13, 2020, hundreds of people gathered for a protest in Louisville. One of their main requests was for the Old Market to be taken down.
On August 11, 2020, the city council of Louisville held a vote. Four members voted to remove the structure from the downtown area, and one member voted against it. The exact plan for what will happen to the Old Market is still being decided.
