Charleston City Market | Charleston

Charleston City Market – In Detail

Overview

The Charleston City Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States and a central cultural and commercial hub in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Stretching over four city blocks from Market Hall on Meeting Street to East Bay Street, it is a lively and historic complex known for its local crafts, sweetgrass baskets, and Southern charm.

Dating back to the early 19th century, the market blends historic preservation with active commerce, making it both a shopping destination and a living piece of Charleston’s architectural and social heritage. It draws millions of visitors annually, offering everything from handcrafted goods to regional food specialties.

Historical Background

Origins

The Charleston City Market traces its roots to 1788, when Charles Cotesworth Pinckney deeded the land to the city specifically for market use, under the condition it always remain a public market.

The existing Market Hall, the iconic Greek Revival structure at the market’s head, was built in 1841 and served as the administrative and ceremonial gateway to the rest of the market sheds.

The market was historically used to sell meat, seafood, produce, and goods brought in from plantations, local farms, and seaports.

Architecture and Layout

The market is composed of:

Market Hall (Meeting Street): A grand entrance building with columns, once used by the Market Commissioners and now housing a museum (The Confederate Museum).

Three long open-air sheds behind it: Built between 1804 and 1830, these “sheds” extend to East Bay Street.

These buildings were designed to be fireproof and sanitary for food handling in the 19th century. They have since been repurposed for artisan and craft sales.

Cultural Importance

Unlike some markets in other U.S. cities, Charleston’s market was never a slave market, though enslaved people did much of the building and labor.

Over time, it evolved into a hub for African American artisans, especially the Gullah community, who maintain a strong presence in the market to this day.

Market Experience

Vendors and Offerings

The City Market is home to over 300 vendors, many of whom are local artists, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs.

Products include:

Sweetgrass baskets – Handmade by Gullah artisans using traditional African weaving techniques. These are UNESCO-recognized crafts, and the market is the best-known site for purchasing them.

Paintings, jewelry, and photography – Often representing Charleston’s culture, coastline, and flora.

Woodcrafts, soaps, textiles, and toys – Many made locally and by hand.

Gourmet foods – Local spices, teas, hot sauces, benne wafers, pralines, and other Southern delicacies.

Atmosphere

The market is partially enclosed but open-air in feel, allowing for breezes to pass through.

Live demonstrations are common, with artists weaving baskets or painting scenes.

The ambiance is typically bustling, with a steady stream of locals and tourists mingling amid Southern accents and regional music.

Night Market

The Charleston Night Market operates on Friday and Saturday evenings, from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, between March and December.

This version emphasizes a festive, nighttime artisan experience, often with live music and lights, making it ideal for a different kind of visit.

Cultural and Heritage Aspects

Sweetgrass Basket Makers

The sweetgrass basket tradition dates back over 300 years, originating from West African rice cultivation practices.

Gullah-Geechee women, especially from Mount Pleasant, have preserved this heritage for generations.

At the market, visitors can watch baskets being made, ask questions, and purchase authentic works directly from the makers.

Basket stalls are typically located along the sides of the sheds, with some artisans occupying permanent booths.

Confederate Museum (Upstairs Market Hall)

Operated by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, this small museum is controversial but historically significant, offering insight into the Civil War-era South from a Confederate perspective.

While some criticize its selective historical lens, it remains part of the City Market’s historical context.

Operations and Practical Information

Visitor Tips

Bring cash, though most vendors accept cards; cash may offer better negotiating ability for higher-end crafts.

Engage with artisans-most are happy to share the story behind their craft, especially basket weavers.

Don’t miss the local food vendors offering tastes of Charleston’s culinary culture.

During hot months, visit early in the morning or later in the evening for comfort.

Consider combining your visit with nearby attractions like Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, or St. Philip’s Church.

Legacy and Importance

The Charleston City Market is more than a tourist attraction-it is a living cultural institution where African American heritage, local enterprise, and historic architecture converge. Its enduring popularity lies in its ability to blend the past and present, where visitors can support local economies while walking through centuries of history.

Whether you're buying a sweetgrass basket, tasting Southern treats, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the market offers an authentic window into Charleston's spirit and soul.