How Market Square Got Its Name

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HISTORIC PORTSMOUTH #207

Portsmouth bought a parcel of land at the end of the Parade in 1794. The plan was to build a market house similar to Faneuil Hall in Boston at what is now the northern end of Pleasant Street across from the North Church. (Continued below)

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The tall two-story brick building, complete with ten market stalls on the first floor, was built in 1800. All but the outer walls burned in the great fire two years later and was rebuilt (center) in 1806. The upstairs meeting area, called Jefferson Hall, was adapted to use as a city hall soon after the Civil War. It was replaced by a modern bank building early in the 20^th century. The market is gone, but the name remains.

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