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Flower market section of the Eastern Market, Detroit, Michigan by Bill Whittaker – Wikimedia Commons
A Brief History of the Eastern Market in Detroit
Eastern Market is a farmers’ market located in Detroit, Michigan. The market dates back to the 1840s, making it one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the United States. Today, the market is open year-round and features over 225 vendors selling local produce, meat, flowers, and other items. Eastern Market is quite exceptional from other markets because of its focus on fresh and local food.
The Eastern market is home to many small businesses and family farms, and customers can buy directly from the growers. This connection to the local community is one of the things that makes Eastern Market unique. In addition, the market hosts a number of special events throughout the year, including a Flower Day festival and a holiday night market. These events attract people from all over Detroit and help to create a sense of community around the market. This article highlights a brief history of the Eastern Market in Detroit.
History of the Eastern Market
Eastern Market district of Detroit by Andre Carrotflower – Wikimedia Commons
Eastern Market is a historic commercial district in Detroit, Michigan. Eastern Market is the largest historic public market district in the United States, and the Eastern Market farmer’s distribution center is the largest open-air flowerbed market in the United States. After the end of World War II, Eastern Market became an important hub for the wholesale food industry, as more food processors and wholesalers moved to the area.
The Farmer’s Market in Detroit was first opened in 1841 at Cadillac Square in the downtown area. In the beginning, the eastern market was devoted to hay and wood sales, but in 1891, sales sheds were built and the Farmer’s Market was moved from Cadillac Square to its present location and renamed Eastern Market. While still in Downtown Detroit , here is a list of 10 best things to do in the area.
Growth of the Eastern Market
Eastern Market District, Shed 2 Saturday Market by Etx313 – Wikimedia Commons
The Eastern Market grew through the following decades, and additional sheds were constructed in 1922 and 1929. In 1970, the stalls rented by farmers were decorated with paintings of produce and livestock. Over the years, these murals have become Eastern Market logos.
Following World War II, more wholesalers and food processors moved into the area, and Eastern Market developed into an important hub for the wholesale food distribution industry which is assimilated into the restaurant industry in Detroit. Here are the 30 Best Restaurants to try in Detroit.
Activities in the Eastern Market
Shed 2 at Eastern Market in Detroit by Michael Barera – Wikimedia Commons
Eastern Market is a selling point for a wide variety of produce, meat, flowers, spice and other products. It is particularly busy on Saturdays when farmers tend to bring in their poultry and livestock, along with fresh produce, for sale. Read more about the Top 10 Best Things to do at Eastern Market Detroit.
Other activities include the Detroit Festival of Books which is a free annual event, that takes place on the third Sunday in July at Eastern Market, and attracts over 10,000 attendees. The Eastern Market also plays host to the Detroit City Distillery which is located in the heart of Eastern Market, and it offers a variety of handcrafted spirits. The distillery also offers tours, tastings, and events.
Operations of the Eastern Market
Tess Parr (R) and Erin Murphy operate a satellite Eastern Market Farmer Market stand outside of a Focus: HOPE facility in Detroit, Michigan to provide local residents with fresh vegetables and fruit. .Photo by Preston Keres. – Wikimedia Commons
The Eastern Market in Detroit is operated by the private sector through a public-private partnership with the Eastern Market Corporation. The Eastern Market Corporation has operated the property since 2006.
According to Jennifer Knott Giering, President of the Dearborn, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, “Since the privatization in July 2006, the market has renovated infrastructure, increased attendance and has become a catalyst for development in the surrounding neighborhoods.” Although there is official Detroit Lions tailgating at Ford Field, many tailgaters prefer Eastern Market for Lions home game tailgating.
