Historic Market Square, Houston
Historic Market Square is the heart of old Houston. In 1836, just months after Houston was founded, the city designated this site as the location for its first City Hall and public market. For decades, it was where residents gathered not only to buy and sell goods but also to debate politics, share news, and celebrate community events.
The original City Hall and Market House were built here in the 1840s, though the buildings faced repeated challenges. Fires destroyed several structures, and each time the community rebuilt, underscoring the square鈥檚 importance as the symbolic center of the city. By the late 19th century, Market Square had become surrounded by thriving businesses, saloons, and hotels, cementing its role as Houston鈥檚 commercial hub.
In 1939, City Hall was relocated to its current location on Bagby Street, and the old square began to evolve. Over time, it shifted from a purely civic space into a mix of restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
Today, Market Square Park celebrates both past and present, blending public art, memorials, and historic architecture with modern dining and entertainment.
The original City Hall and Market House were built here in the 1840s, though the buildings faced repeated challenges. Fires destroyed several structures, and each time the community rebuilt, underscoring the square鈥檚 importance as the symbolic center of the city. By the late 19th century, Market Square had become surrounded by thriving businesses, saloons, and hotels, cementing its role as Houston鈥檚 commercial hub.
In 1939, City Hall was relocated to its current location on Bagby Street, and the old square began to evolve. Over time, it shifted from a purely civic space into a mix of restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
Today, Market Square Park celebrates both past and present, blending public art, memorials, and historic architecture with modern dining and entertainment.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Houston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Historic Market Square on Map
Sight Name: Historic Market Square
Sight Location: Houston, USA (See walking tours in Houston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Houston, USA (See walking tours in Houston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Houston, Texas
Create Your Own Walk in Houston
Creating your own self-guided walk in Houston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Founded in 1836 by entrepreneurial brothers Augustus and John Allen, Houston sprang up along the banks of Buffalo Bayou just months after Texas won independence from Mexico. The Allens marketed... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles