Providence Parks

History

Market Square – A Historic Civic and Cultural Heart of Providence

Market Square in Providence has long served as a central gathering place for commerce, civic life, and community expression. Established in 1738 as the “Town Parade,” it connected Towne Street (now South Main Street) to the Great Bridge and quickly evolved into a bustling public marketplace. By 1744, it was a designated Haymarket, reflecting Providence’s growing importance as a commercial center in colonial New England.

In the 1770s, Market Square became even more prominent with the construction of the Market House, designed by Joseph Brown and Stephen Hopkins. Completed in 1775, the building featured open arcades for market stalls and meeting rooms above. The square became a flashpoint of revolutionary sentiment—in March of that same year, residents gathered to protest British taxation by publicly burning tea, demonstrating the city’s support for independence.

Throughout the 19th century, Market Square remained a civic and social hub. It hosted public meetings during the Civil War, served as the site where new draft laws were announced, and remained a stage for the voices of protest and change. In 1897, the square drew national attention when activist Emma Goldman was arrested there for giving a speech without a permit.

The Market House, originally the site of Rhode Island’s first Masonic Lodge, also served as Providence City Hall from 1820 to 1878. In the 20th century, the building transitioned to new uses and was eventually deeded to the Rhode Island School of Design, which continues to use it as academic and gallery space.

Today, Market Square blends history with modern art and community presence. In 2023, a bronze statue of Edward Mitchell Bannister, a groundbreaking Black artist and local resident, was unveiled in the square. The life-sized sculpture shows Bannister sitting on a bench, symbolizing the city’s deep artistic legacy and ongoing celebration of cultural pioneers.

Market Square remains an essential part of downtown Providence’s urban fabric—linking past and present through architecture, public art, and the enduring spirit of civic engagement

Recent Improvements

• The Edward Bannister Statue was added in 2023 in partnership with RISD, The Providence Art Club and many others.