Living and working in Lancaster City means being surrounded by places that tell a deeper story about community, resilience, and connection. Few places embody that spirit more than Central Market, a space that has anchored this city since before Lancaster even had its name.

Before Lancaster was Lancaster, it was known as Hickory Town. As settlers traveled west from Philadelphia, there was a need for a central place to trade supplies and connect. What began as an 11’ x 11’ open-air market with just six standholders gradually grew into the 70-stand market we know today. In 1742, King George II officially declared Lancaster a market town. The town itself began with three core institutions: the market, a jail located where the Fulton Theatre stands today, and a courthouse, now home to the Visitor Center.

The market building, designed by James Warner, was constructed long before refrigeration. To account for melting ice, it was built on a slope that allowed water to drain naturally. Fish vendors were placed along the north side of the building, away from direct sunlight, while meat was sold along the interior walls and kept cool with ice on the tables.

Long’s Horseradish is the market’s longest-running business, thriving there since the 1930s. Its metal horseradish grinder, still in use today, dates back to 1902. Today, 25,000 to 30,000 visitors pass through the market each month, and organizations like the Central Market Trust work to preserve it as a true farmer’s market. The Trust supports ongoing building upkeep and fundraising efforts for projects such as the slate roof, doors, windows, and the upcoming installation of industrial fans, all while ensuring the market remains a place rooted in community.

Spending time in the market after hours made it especially clear that Central Market has always been about more than commerce. It’s about people coming together around shared needs and shared values, a place where the community gathers, adapts, and continues to thrive.