  The City Market has a rich history dating back
to 1857 when the City Market Square began as a site for
market commerce, horse trading, political rallies, revival, medicine
shows and circuses. Enjoy a sampling of some key dates in Market history.
For an indepth look at City Market history, visit our permanent exhibit at 20 E. 5th Street created by the Kansas City Public Library and Dr. Ron Miriani, Professor of History at Park University. A historical brochure is also available.
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 The City Market has been approximately in the same location since 1857 when the City of Kansas City granted a lease to Jacob and Fred Scheibel for $50 per year. From this beginning, the City Market and its surrounding area became the focal point for people making their way westward. By 1878, Kansas City was bustling with activity attracting legendary characters of the west including Wyatt Earp, Buffalo Bill Cody and Jesse James.
Photo provided by: Special Collections,
Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri.
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 Roaring With Kansas City in the 1920's
As the photograph shows, life around the City Market was bustling. At the time of this photo, the City Market stood near City Hall, the Gillis Opera House, the Jackson County Courthouse, two newspapers and a number of other businesses.
Photo provided by: Special Collections,
Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City,
Missouri.
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 Reconstructing the City Market
The 1930's were pivotal years for the City Market. After City Hall and the Jackson County Courthouse moved to their present locations, the City Market benefitted from extensive renovation with a massive public works project. New buildings were constructed through the job creation initiatives of the Roosevelt Administration. This photo is of the Marketís west building which currently stands in the Market today!
Photo provided by: Special Collections,
Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City,
Missouri.
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1960’s
This photograph shows life at the City Market during the 1960ís when the Market was predominantly a produce-only destination. As the City Market and the surrounding River Quay area (as it was once known) entered the 1970’s, the area became a popular district with bars, restaurants and other businesses.
Photo provided by: Special Collections,
Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City,
Missouri.
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 1980's
In the late 1980's and 90's, $14.5 million in public and private funds were invested in the City Market with additional funds committed to energize the surrounding River Market neighborhood.
The City Market structures were modernized in 1986 and rehabbed in 1990, resulting in over 100,000 square feet of restuarants, food-related shops, retail and museum exhibit space. With the addition of the Arabia Steamboat Museum, the City Market took a major step forward leading the way toward downtown redevelopment. 
Photo by Tim Bischoff |
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 2000
Returning to its roots as a food related destination, the City Market has received national acclaim and numerous awards. In 2002, the City Market received a Great Markets/Great Cities Award of Distinction from the Project for Public Spaces, an internationally known advocate for farmers' markets. In 2007, the City Market celebrated its landmark 150th anniversary season. With a record attendance of more than 700,000 visitors, the City Market was listed as Kansas City's 6th Top Area Attraction in the Kansas City Business Journal. The City Market was awarded Farmers' Market of the Year in 2008 by the Missouri Farmers' Market Association and AgriMissouri. The City Market continues to be a hub of activity and an enduring community landmark.
Photo by George Denniston, Jr.
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