In 1788, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney ceded land to the City of Charleston for use as a public market, and he stipulated that the land must remain in use as a market for perpetuity.  Charleston fulfilled this requirement by building a long row of low buildings that stretched Meeting Street, all along Market Street to the waterfront.  They were built between 1804 and the 1830s and originally housed meat, vegetable, and fish vendors.  Over the years, the sheds survived many disasters, including fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and the Civil War. 

In 1841, MARKET HALL was erected by architect Edward Brickwell White, whose building paid homage to the Temple of the Wingless Victory in Athens.  The handsome structure was originally used by the Market Commissioners for meetings and social functions, while the space beneath the hall housed vendors.  This historic building survived the Civil War, virtually untouched. 

Since the 1970s, the original sheds lining Market Street behind the Old Market Hall have housed many small and unique shops.  Of special note are the more than 50 sweetgrass basket weavers who carry forth a special Charleston tradition.  In 2010, a $5.5 million renovation of the entire Charleston City Market got underway and was reopened to the public in 2011. 

Today the old City Market functions primarily as a tourist destination selling T-Shirts, postcards, crafts and other items.  It's most  popular free attraction is the old area itself.