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Winnsboro Farmers Market

Historic Sign Message

"Established in 1890, farmers arrived in town early morning Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, parking wagons up and down the alley street known as the Bowery where farm products were offered for sale. Bowery Street composed of barber shop, hardware, blacksmith, livery stable, wagon and harness shop and saloons.  Saloons were Massel, Harris, McElroy, Corley, Wright, Moore and Milam Saloon.  Locals referred to the street as the market street.  This is how Market Street received its name.  By 1910, saloons were closed, timber depleted, sawmills closed, only folklore tale of an exciting past.  Row crop farming became big business.  The Farmers Market relocated to Franklin St. (Smokey Row) in 1912.  Era of truck farmer ended in the 1950s and only memories remain."

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The Winnsboro Farmers Market began in 1878 following the arrival of the East Line & Red River Railroad, which opened access to major markets in the east and west. As the local timber industry declined around 1909, row crop farming of cotton, corn, and vegetables became the primary economic driver. Throughout the early 20th century, the market established Winnsboro as a major shipping hub for peaches, berries, and ribbon cane syrup. Over the decades, the market moved several times to manage overcrowding and changing city needs before being revitalized in the modern era.


Timeline of the Farmers Market

  • 1878: The first farmers market is established shortly after the railroad's arrival.

  • 1880s: Farmers establish a regular schedule, gathering every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the alley road that would become Market Street.

  • 1908–1916: The agricultural market expands with a peach cannery and the introduction of the berry growing industry.

  • 1910–1915: Due to overcrowding on Market Street, the operation moves to Franklin Street, which earns the nickname "Smoky Row".

  • 1923: Prominent produce dealer W.A. Nabors is appointed to the Texas Railroad Commission, marking a peak era for local shipping.

  • 1947: Local farmers meet to organize the Winnsboro Farmers' Produce Marketing Association to set quality standards and recapture lost market prestige.

  • 1950: The city begins seeking a new location for the market due to overflowing crowds and downtown traffic.

  • 1972–1973: The market moves to West Elm and Connie Mae streets (the site of an old oil mill and cotton gin).

  • 1984: The market closes after a decline in activity and the implementation of a vendor fee that discouraged farmers.

  • 2010: A revived market begins operating at the City Park pavilion.

  • 2011: The City of Winnsboro receives a USDA grant to hire a professional Market Manager and provide training for vendors.

  • 2013: After research and customer surveys, the market relocates back to historical Market Street to increase foot traffic and sales.

  • 2015: The market expands its community offerings to include a "kid's corner," baking contests, and agricultural demonstrations.

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