Historic Beginnings
Savannah’s City Market has been a gathering place for more than 250 years. Established in the early 1700s, it became the city’s commercial and social hub. Farmers arrived at dawn with wagonloads of fresh produce, fishermen displayed their daily catch, and merchants sold everything from candles to cloth. Enslaved people and free workers alike played vital roles in the daily rhythm of buying, selling, and trading. More than simply a marketplace, it was where Savannah’s residents exchanged news, ideas, and gossip. Life in the city revolved around the market square, and the sounds, smells, and sights became woven into Savannah’s identity. Though the market has been rebuilt and reimagined many times, its original purpose endures: a place for commerce, community, and connection.