Market Square, Washington, District of Columbia, DC

Significance: Pierre L'Enfant envisioned a grand fountain in this open space. The intersection here, as well as the large parcel of land to the south, were acquired by the federal government as Appropriation No. 7 and set aside for a public market. Since 1802, the markets at this site were the busiest in the city until 1930 when the Center Market was razed for the construction of the National Archives. The intersection was ornamented with landscaped reservations Nos. 34, 35, 36, and 36A in late nineteenth century. This area has been radically altered in the past two decades by Metrorail construction and the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation.
Survey number: HABS DC-691