History of The Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia

Early Years

During the early years of the Reading terminal market, this bustling marketplace was one of the most popular destinations in Philadelphia. It was a central transport hub, enabling thousands of passengers to connect to various parts of the city.

In the early twentieth century, supermarket chains were beginning to threaten the market's stability. As a result, Reading Company decided to invest in new real estate projects and revitalize the market.

The company built a 32-story office building and an immense parking garage. At its height, Reading Market housed over 80 vendors. The market also operated as an inner city train station. In the mid-1930s, many Reading Terminal market vendors offered delivery services to train passengers.

The Reading Terminal market is also known for its neon signs. This photo was taken on Christmas Eve, 1944.

World War II

Located in Philadelphia, the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia is now a public market that offers a wide variety of foods, ethnic cuisines, hand-made crafts, and fresh produce. It is a popular destination for visitors and locals. It is one of the most successful public markets in the United States.

The Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia has a long history. Its roots can be traced back to the Butchers', Farmers', and Franklin Markets. The market was the first impromptu in 1680. During the 19th century, it grew under the tumultuous industrial forces that shaped Philadelphia.

In the early twentieth century, the Reading Railroad captured three-quarters of the Anthracite coal market in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The market became a source of employment for many people. The market became more organized and better structured in the late nineteenth century.

Amish Merchants

Located in the heart of the Center City of Philadelphia, Reading Terminal Market is one of Philadelphia's most beloved tourist attractions. It's a public market that offers visitors a wide array of delicious and fresh food. It also sells a variety of unique goods and crafts. The market is home to over 80 merchants.

The history of the Reading Terminal Market began in the late nineteenth century. It was one of the first open-air markets in the colonial city. It grew out of the market-oriented culture that developed along Market Street. In 1890, Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company purchased the 1110 block of Market Street. The company constructed a large terminal with four smaller depots. In 1892, Reading Terminal Market opened.

The market was a major transportation hub, with trains from all over the United States bringing passengers to the market. In the mid-1930s, Reading Terminal market vendors provided delivery services to train passengers.

Modern-day

Originally a railroad terminal, Reading Terminal Market is a 122-year-old public space in Philadelphia.  It is home to hundreds of stalls, vendors, and several shops and restaurants. It is one of the best food destinations in Philadelphia.

Reading Terminal has been around since the 1860s and has weathered many legal, economic, and labor challenges along the way. In the mid-1990s, a nonprofit organization started a revitalization program that would help bring the market back to life.

Reading Terminal is one of the oldest food markets in the country. There are dozens of vendors in the market; many are Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods sellers. The market features a multitude of food and drink vendors, as well as shopping for souvenirs.

The market has been featured in many films, including National Treasure and Trading Places. Several other landmarks are a part of the market. One of these is the model railroad, located in the market's center.

Revitalizeing The Market

Located in Center City of Philadelphia, Reading Terminal Market is a public market with over 80 merchants offering fresh produce, fish, meats, groceries, and handmade crafts.  It is also a popular tourist destination and a hub for local shopping.

Reading Market first opened in 1893 under an elevated train shed of the Reading Railroad Company. It was a great success in the first few decades of its operation. The market was founded on local farmers coming to the city to sell their produce.

In the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Reading Market survived as a bustling market. Local farmers were eager to sell their produce at the market. The market also thrived because of reasonable prices.

In the early 1990s, the Reading Company began an effort to revitalize the market. The Reading Company wanted to sell the Reading Terminal building. In the mid-1990s, the Reading Company transferred the ownership of the Reading Terminal complex to the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority.