• 8"x 12" image size (10"x14" paper size) / 480 prints / 14"x 18" matting size

The historic French Market has existed on the same site since 1791. It began as a Native American trading post on the banks of the Mississippi River on the site chosen for the city of New Orleans by the French. It is America's oldest public market. Early market merchants included African-Americans selling coffee, pralines and calas, the rice fritter popular in 19th century New Orleans, and the Choctaw from north of Lake Pontchartrain who brought varieties of herbs, spices and handmade crafts.

Prior to the late 1800's, the City of New Orleans sold franchises in the Market. As time passed, the Market came under control of various city agencies and departments. In 1932, the City Council consolidated management by authorizing organization of the French Market Corporation. The Corporation began modernizing the Market. Colonnades and cupolas were added along Decatur Street, the antiquated electrical system was rewired, state-of-the-art refrigeration was added, open-air buildings enclosed, and some older buildings were demolished to accommodate today's Farmers' Market and growing parking demands. Also added was a wholesale fish shed to help meet the demand for many varieties of fresh gulf and lake fish.

Today, farmers from all over the state frequent the first shed of the Farmers' Market to sell directly to consumers, produce retailers and wholesalers. The second shed houses the daily Flea Market where you can find everything from dinner ingredients to T-shirts and other souvenirs to snacks.