The artist's sketch on this post card published in 1899 by G. H. Otto, shows Kansas City's second city Hall and a market house on the old square at 4th and Main. The City Hall completed in 1858 at a cost of $3,570 had occupied part of the same site.The open grassy space in the center of the picture later was occupied by a fire station. The location had been a gathering place for early settlers. Riverboats from St. Louis loaded with provisions and ammunition landed at the nearby Missouri River wharf. So the pioneers gathered at this point to purchase supplies and sell or trade home-grown produce, furs and other commodities. During the rapid growth of Kansas City, rich farmlands in the area produced an abundance of produce, and nearby farmers brought wagon loads to the square where they could tie up their teams and spend a profitable weekend before returning home. The site thus was a logical location for the City Hall and market. The City Hall was razed in 1938. The old market house also was removed, and the present one was built on 5th between Main and Walnut. Kansas City Times, June 1, 1974.
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