The Seaport’s public calling began in 1642, when municipal ferry service was established here between Brooklyn and the growing city of New Amsterdam. It was used extensively by Long Island farmers, who sold produce at a landing near today’s Peck Slip. This early farmers market was placed under cover at Burling Slip, in 1746. In 1763 the City’s first brick market hall was opened at Peck Slip (above, left). In 1821, the original Fulton Market was built as New York’s premier retail food establishment, whose butchers, grocers, fishmongers, provisioners, and other purveyors drew customers and visitors from the city, the region, and beyond.
The Fulton Fish Market emerged as a separate enterprise in 1836, eventually growing into the largest wholesale fish mart in the hemisphere. The market’s connection to the daily life of all New Yorkers was recognized in art, literature, popular culture, and public ceremonies such as the 1939 dedication of the New Market Building by Mayor LaGuardia, (above, right), who had spearheaded its construction.
In 1968, the Seaport was spared from demolition through an unprecedented use of Eminent Domain. The neighborhood was recognized and preserved as a historic district for having harbored the maritime economy that made New York the center of world trade.
The Seaport’s streets and buildings - including its two iconic market halls - are a priceless public legacy, to be preserved intact for future generations. New Amsterdam Market will retain not only the structure, but the function of the Tin Building and New Market Building. Returned to public service, they will continue the tradition that has characterized and nourished the city and the neighborhood for four centuries.
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