We asked in our June issue, how long has the oldest farmer’s market in the U.S. been in operation? Possible answers:
a. 18 years
b. 78 years
c. 163 years
d. 275 years
And the answer is….
d. 275 years.
At 275 years, Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Central Market is the oldest U.S. market still in operation. When Andrew and James Hamilton laid out the town in 1730, they designed a 120 foot square lot in the center of town to be a public market.
Central Market is home to stands that have been owned and operated by the same families for many, many generations. The Stoner Family’s vegetable stand has been there the longest — well over 100 years.
