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Market Square: A History of the Most Democratic Place on Earth
Conceived in 1853 as a canny real-estate scheme by two young investors expecting to get rich off the idea, Market Square came to be Knoxville’s most public spot, a marketplace familiar to every man, woman, and child in the area. By the 1860s, it was the busiest place in a burgeoning city, a place to shop, work, play, eat, drink, and live. In a town that became bitterly divided by politics, race, and background, Market Square became a rare common ground: a place to buy all sorts of local produce, but also a place to experience new things, including the grandiose Market House itself, considered a model in a progressive era.
Market Square, written by Metro Pulse's award-winning Secret City columnist,details the colorful history of this wonderfully eccentric place, a place that is once again familiar to the whole community, suggesting why, on a good day, Market Square can resemble—as a reporter described it in 1900—“the most democratic place on earth.”
Purchase from UT Press.
Calendar of Events
First Friday
1st Friday Every Month
The First Friday of every month enjoy some of the best of what downtown has to offer with art openings, performances, food and drink specials and sales at Market Square District business, galleries and restaurants.
Market Square Holiday Market
December 5, 12 & 19, 11am-8pm
Located on Market Street during Holidays on Ice
Local craft and food vendors will line Market St. with handmade products for Holiday gift giving. Stroll through a winter wonderland, with lights strung up through Krutch Park and a fire pit with marshmallow roasting. For information, contact charlottetolley@hotmail.com.
Click
here for downtown parking map
If you are interested in reserving Market Square for a special event, contact the City of Knoxville Special Events office.
Contact: knoxvillemarketsquare@gmail.com with questions or comments.
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