&

PRESENT

The Ultimate Farmers Market Challenge

Congratulations to Vincennes Historic Farmers Market, the winner of
the 2023 Farmers Market Challenge!

One thing is for sure, Hoosier’s love their farmers markets! From the nominations and testimonials to the voting, the Ultimate Farmers Market Challenge was competitive with votes coming in until the very end. We did ask for one vote, per person, and we adjusted accordingly. 

Congratulations to all the farmers markets who participated.  You are all winners for all that you do to serve your community!

Rankings:

  • Vincennes Historic Farmers Market
  • Noblesville Farmers Market
  • Madison Farmers Market
  • Elkhart Farmers Market
  • Tipton Farmers Market
  • Pendleton Farmers Market
  • Crawfordsville Farmers Market
  • Downtown Wabash Farmers Market
  • Valparaiso Farmers Market
  • Stockwell Farmers Market
  • Mishawaka Farmers Market
  • Reimann’s Farm Market
  • Terre Haute Farmers Market
  • Bargersville Farmers Market
  • Binford Farmers Market
  • Attica Farmers Market
  • Garfield Park Farmers Market
  • Pike Farmers Market
  • Franklin Farmers Market
  • Yorktown Farmers Market
  • Peoples Cooperative Farmers Market
  • Rensselaer Farmers Market
  • Broad Ripple Farmers Market
  • Fortville Farmers Market
  • River Valley Farmers Market
  • Farmers Market At The Fairgrounds
  • Evansville Farmers Market
  • Woolery Farmers Market
  • Parke County Farmers Market

Highlights of Our Community of Practice's Farmers Markets!

Madison Farmers Market

The Madison Farmers Market

The Madison Farmers Market in Jefferson County is one of our historical farmers markets being over 200-years old and the oldest farmers market in Indiana!

Did you know that Indiana has farmers markets that are over 200-years old?

It’s not a given that states have farmers markets nor that farmers’ markets have always been part of our communities. Hoosiers know differently! Our oldest farmers’ markets are over 200-years old, Madison, Vincennes, New Albany and Indianapolis, and they have a rich history that traces back to how Indiana was settled and became a state.

Do you know when your farmers market got started? Help us fill in the gaps and learn about Indiana’s history along the way.

The Research

We know that Indiana had at least 10 – 12 farmers’ markets that operated in the early 1800’s.  Using a variety of sources: Broadsides, Indiana The Early Years, Commerce, Trade and Agriculture; Broadsides, Indiana The Early Years, Maps; and Farmers’ Produce Markets In The United States (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, January, 1948), along with Indiana history books and the research conducted by the farmers markets, the top 5 and top 10 oldest Indiana farmers markets have been identified.

Undeniably, Vincennes is the oldest town/city in Indiana established in 1732 as a French trading post which then becomes the territorial capital for the Northwest Territory (1787-1800) and the Indiana Territory (1800-1816).  The Vincennes farmers’ market, however, dates back to 1815 as the population grows and agriculture, commerce and banking become economic drivers for the developing territory.  Madison on the other hand was a stopping point on the Ohio River for settlers moving west to the Northwest Territory. Madison developed rapidly into a town with commerce, banking, the railroad and a farmers’ market that dates back to 1809.  Also, along the Ohio River is New Albany whose farmers’ market dates to 1820’s and other towns that were settled and founded in the early to mid 1800’s are Vevay, Jeffersonville, Corydon, Clarksburg, Lawrenceburg and Terre Haute. It is possible that any one of these towns also had a farmer’s market early on to support the growing towns.

Bloomington had a farmers’ market that operated from 1837 to 1850’s. The farmers’ market was brought back in 1979 celebrating 47 years.  Evansville had two farmers’ markets started in 1869 – Fourth Street Market and the Old Municipal Curb Market. Which one is still going? Ft Wayne also had two farmers’ markets – one run by the town (municipal) founded in 1850 and a producers Southside Market started in 1927 which is still operating today. Dig a little deeper and research shows that the Ft Wayne farmers’ market started in 1837 on Barr St – the current site of the YLNI farmers market. The Barr St. farmers’ market moved indoors in 1910 and operated until 1966.

As you research farmers’ markets you discover a bit of ambiguity on the precise date for the founding of many farmers’ markets. To be 100% certain one must go back through public records to research when the farmers’ market started operating by town or city ordinance. More often than not, dates you find are for when the town or city was founded and land was allocated (platted) and in some instances the farmers’ market was designated a location. Often the founding date of a farmers’ market may be 1-2 years off or perhaps even more because of this discrepancy. Also, it’s important to understand that indoor or portico-style farmers’ markets, called market houses became popular to circumvent inclement weather.

Either way you look at it, Indiana has some historic markets. Let’s explore the rich diversity of farmers’ markets and discover what makes Indiana farmers’ markets fun and unique!

  • Madison Farmers Market – 1809
  • Vincennes Farmers Market – 1815
  • New Albany Farmers Market – 1820
  • Indianapolis Farmers Market – 1822
  • Ft Wayne  – 1837
  • Lafayette Farmers Market – 1839
  • Richmond Farmers Market – 1840
  • Evansville Farmers Market – 1869
  • Others?
  • Shelbyville Farmers Market– 1910
  • South Bend Farmers Market – 1911
  • Others?
  • Montgomery Co. Farm Women’s Market, Crawfordsville – 1925
  • Terre Haute Farmers Market -1925
  • Historic Southside Farmers Market, Ft Wayne – 1927
  • Elkhart Farmers Market – 1930
  • Goshen Farmers Market – 1933
  • Putnam Co. Farm Women’s Market, Greencastle – 1934
  • Others?

 

Help us identify these farmers markets!

 

  • Bloomington Farmers Market – 1979
  • Pendleton Farmers Market – 1994
  • Others?

 

  • Home Grown Orange County Farmers Markets – 2002
  •  Wabash Farmers Market -2007
  • Others?

Farmers Market Testimonials

The mission of the Attica CommUNITY Market is to provide a venue where local farmers, producers, food-based businesses, artists, artisans, wellness practitioners, and non-profits come together to offer a variety of fresh local produce, plants, locally crafted food and food inspired products, handmade items and artworks, and wellness demonstrations directly to the local community.

The Attica CommUNITY Market strives to be a producer market. This means all of our vendors AKA Marketeers must grow or produce the products they sell. We allow a mix of grow it, raise it, make it, and bake it vendors.

Our vision is that by providing this space, we will be able to enhance our local community and allow all our local residents and businesses to thrive. The Attica CommUNITY Market is organized and managed by Attica Main Street, Inc.

We have seen huge growth from sporadic attendance last summer, sometimes only having one or two vendors show up to a market, to consistently enjoying 6 or more Marketeers committed to providing for and supporting their community (and each other) each week.

We are not the largest or most attended market in Indiana. The Attica CommUNITY Market is being nominated for its growth, its sense of fun, and its commitment to living up to its name in uniting the community of Attica – fostering a space that is nourishing a downtown in need of new energy, sprouting new friendships that will take root outside of this market season, and building bridges between businesses and local producers and artisans.The Attica CommUNITY Market embodies the ideal of “Hoosier Hospitality”

Great selection of products – like that it’s in the middle of the week & it’s great to have access to fresh foods! We love Bargersville Farmer’s Market!!

I love this market and that it’s during the week. Love that it’s in my backyard

Great vibe!  Great vendors!  Been visiting this market for 15 years.

Has a great variety of vendors….Binford is a main artery from Fisher, so there’s always new people that just see and stop. Plenty of regulars who are very supportive of the local growers. They were also very accommodating. I’m new to the area and recently started my own BBQ business, and they were more than helpful making room for me whereas a number of others wouldn’t even respond to an email.

It’s very convenient, & always has amazing products. It’s well run, organized and just fun to attend. I love that it’s dog friendly and I can allow my pup to tag along.  

EASY ACCESS                    FRIENDLY & PROFESSIONAL MANAGER                                   KIND VENDORS
LIVE MUSIC
CLEAN BATHROOMS

Binford Farmer’s Market is truly a community event. So many of the vendors live right in the community and people from the surrounding neighborhoods and communities are the primary market shopper. There is a very diverse group of vendors who are committed to growing and making high quality produce and packaged goods. The market hosts blood drives, yoga, recycle events, and other community partners every single week. It is a wonderful event every single Saturday!

I’ve been coming to this Farmer’s Market for 4 years and they’ve always had great products, inviting vendors, and work well with community partners like Versiti and local pet rescues. I tell everyone to come this market as soon as it opens and look forward to the fresh produce every year!

t’s our local market. It’s a produce-based farmers market that has everything I need from salad mix to raw milk. This is the premiere market in Indianapolis!

They have everything you could want or need from fresh produce (even in the winter), ready-made food, meat, cheese, and egg, flowers, coffee, honey, syrup, smoothies…I could go on and on. The best part is the people. The people who volunteer to run the market snd the farmers who come are all some of the nicest people you will find. It is a great start to every weekend in rain, snow, or shine!

I’ve shopped this market (and have been a vendor as well), for the last 5 years.  They have the friendliest vendors, great food (authentic tacos,

cinnamon rolls, fresh garden veggies, sourdough breads, etc), handmade soaps, lots of artisan vendors, and literally the BEST market manager!  

Lisa does so much for the community to make this market what it is today!

There is a great variety of vendors and they try and make it better each year.

It is the closest farmers market to me. I enjoy supporting locally raised produce plus 1832 Brew is awesome!

 

Variety of vendors for a small town!

Quality of product and goods provided

Expertly run with so much fun & enthusiasm for vendors and the public! Each week has a theme & special activities to make folks want to stay, hang out

with friends – and buy “one last thing” a few more times : ) Market Manager Lisa’s objective is to craft a enjoyable community event for all ages and 

groups each Saturday , yet she also insists on a quality market operation where budding entrepreneurs can learn keen business skills. Crawfordsville 

is SO LUCKY to have her! 💚

They have awesome breakfast and coffee from 1832 brew a local food truck. They have awesome meat selections and fruit and veggies when in 

season and beautiful plants and flowers. They also have agriculture, horticulture, baked goods, and homemade craft items all made Montgomery 

County, Indiana.

They also have a kidpreneurs which is always fun to go see what the kids are making and into. It’s an awesome and well put together farmers market 

and I love going there every Saturday.

The best in Indiana!  Live music, great food and fun in a downtown setting.

It is well managed and has impressive levels of participation for a town the size of Crawfordsville.

 

The market is filled with joy and its such a great community of people ! Its more than a money game for them ! Its A FAMILY!!!

It is well organized with a variety of goods/foods. Each week has a theme to recognize the local activities or organizations. They have two different

Kids Entrepreneurial weeks that are great for kids to learn business.

 

Whether you’re seeking farm-to-table delights, one-of-a-kind handmade crafts, or simply a place to connect with your community, Downtown

Wabash Farmers Market is the unrivaled destination that brings people together, fosters local pride, and leaves lasting memories.

Downtown Wabash, Inc takes immense pride in curating an exceptional lineup of local and regional vendors, who exclusively offer all things handmade,

homemade, and homegrown. From farm-fresh produce to delectable artisanal goods, each purchase not only supports local businesses but also

embodies a sustainable and eco-friendly ethos. 

Their market is not just a shopping destination; it’s a place where community comes alive. Every Saturday morning, from May to September,

vendors infuse the air with the sweet melodies of live music and scents of warm biscuits and fried eggs from the delcious food trucks.

.

The Elkhart Farmers Market has grown over the past 5 years from just a few produce growers to a weekly event featuring, on average, over 30 vendors each week. The market provides a variety of locally-grown produce, beautiful plants and flowers, delicious treats, and artisan vendors.

The market also offers specialty days such as Kids Day, Dog Day, and Senior Day.  There’s truly something for everyone at the Elkhart Farmers Market.

This market has grown from 5 to 108 vendors in 5 years. There are special event days, it is in a beautiful downtown park and has a very loyal weekly following with new shoppers every week. The growers offer recipe ideas and general education about their produce. All of the vendors take great pride in their products are friendly and  accommodating.

Because they not only provide an invaluable service – they ALSO pick different local non-profits each month to ‘Spotlight’ and help raise more community awareness & help them raise/collect donations

A variety of vendors and the market is year-round.

It makes a unique market being downtown Fortville. You have the luxury of shopping at the market and the businesses downtown or maybe go out to eat afterwards.

It is the best!

Jess has done a wonderful job of filling our famers market with close to 70 vendors with the perfect mixture of produce, meat vendors as well as a magnitude of

small artistic vendors, food and drink trucks and brings in nearly 1000 people a week through advertising and special events.

Everyone is so nice, and all of the produce and products I’ve gotten have been wonderful. It’s also very walkable and easy to manage.

This food- focused market is the best around! They promote supporting local and work hard to foster community while addressing food insecurity issues.

Walkable but plenty of vendors, everyone knows everyone, fun eclectic wholesome. Great products, great food and beverage, & great people

It’s a wonderful community in a historic park. The vendors and farmers’ market staff are always helpful and the additional activities are fun (art market 

/yoga classes / live music)

I am the proud market manaager for the Madison Farmers Market. This market is the Oldest Farmers Market in the State of Indiana. We are managed by the Madison Main Street Program since April 2021. In the time since MMSP took management and hired a Market Manager, we have seen great growth..We have experienced a true revitalization building back from years of market manager turnover and the struggles faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our market is a producer-only market and we feature vendors who grow, make, bake, raise, and create their products. We have vendors who sell in-season produce, local farm-fresh eggs and meats, licensed dog treats, local honey, and freshly baked goods including sweet, savory, and gluten-free items. Vendors also sell products such as homemade jams, and artisan items including fiber arts, jewelry, greeting cards, home decor, and more! We host bi-weekly live and local Market Musicians to add to the event which is the Madison Farmers Market. Our Market is a community hub for locals and tourists visiting Madison and we could not be prouder of the growth we have seen in the last few year. We would be more than honored to be considered for the Ultimate Farmers Market Challenge!

Located in the heart of a newly revitalized area of downtown, it’s so nice to have all of the homey goodness of a farmers market available for everyone.

Options beyond fruits and veg – plants, fresh coffee while you stroll, juice/snacks, live music, pedal bikes for the kids, live music… All offered on a Sunday. You can come and decompress from a busy weekend even if you don’t need groceries.

A great farmers market located at Federal Hills Commons. Lovely vendors! You can shop Saturday mornings for your produce, baked goods, fresh cut flowers, and grab a cup of coffee. Enjoy the music and get some yummy food to eat while you stroll the market. Maggie is the best market manager!

Nice variety of products.
Faithful vendors.                            Baked goods and family friendly

They hold our market at what we call The Depot, equivalent to a visitors center.  Beautiful Set up.  I love that they have kids entrepreneurs day.  Always have hand made items as well as fresh vegetables.

There is a nice variety of produce and handmade goods. The location is beautiful and the vendors are some of the nicest I’ve met.

Because of the intersectional anti-racism & food justice it engages in Monroe County!

Located in the heart of a newly revitalized area of downtown, it’s so nice to have all of the homey goodness of a farmers market available for everyone.

Options beyond fruits and veg – plants, fresh coffee while you stroll, juice/snacks, live music, pedal bikes for the kids, live music…  All offered 

on a Sunday.

You can come and decompress from a busy weekend even if you don’t need groceries.

This is only their 2nd year, but they are coming in strong for their 2nd season. They not only have multiple options for produce/vegetables, but also meat, snacks,

woodworking, artists and plenty of healthy options for food and drinks. They do well with promoting (even have a billboard) their market and vendors. They update their vendors every week in preparation of their market and always available to help. They have different entertainment that comes and they even held a back to school event for children and educators. They also offer SNAP and Fresh produce for customers.

Reimann’s Farm Market is a small, local farmer’s market in Darmstadt, Indiana. 
They always have great tasting, very fresh, quality produce !
They grow a lot themselves and what they don’t grow, they get locally from fellow southern Indiana people. 

They strive to provide great customer service. Karen and her grown son Luke run the farm.  They are very helpful to their customers and have a lot of loyal, repeat customers. 

When Luke is at the stand, he loves to ask people if they want to hear a riddle.  He always has a smile on his face and a riddle to tell.   They both work hard to help the customers.
The two of them work very long hours with very little breaks from early Spring through the end of Fall.   They do have a few occasional part-time people who come and help sometimes, but most of the time it’s just Karen and Luke working from sun up to well past sundown.   They plant, water, fertilize, till, hoe, pick, bring to stand, clean up produce, and all while one of them is selling their produce at the stand.   Some of it is with tractors, but there is a lot of manual work.  Occasionally,  they have even been known to work in the fields at night with flashlights on their heads !  They pretty much always have to work after dark somewhere : at the stand, in the barn, and/or  in the house.  They tidy up the stand, pick more produce, sort produce, put more produce on the stand, etc.   Often they are planting at night.  Sometimes they are driving to get more produce from fellow farmers or driving to get a tractor part.  

Sometimes they are calling people they know to see if anyone is available to help.  It is such a physically demanding job for them.  They work such long hours, it would be nice for them to get recognition.
Even their free mini golf area, small die cast cars race track, and landscaping area, they have made themselves.
Overall, Reimann’s Farm provides wonderful, delicious local produce to the local community.

I am able to buy fresh and locally grown produce at the Rensselaer Farmers Market. They support local community groups such as FFA and the market hosts Kids Night Out for young entrepreneurs.  They have great vendors and delicious baked goods and so much more!!!

 

All the vendors are selling what they are making, baking or growing themselves, no resale. There is a wide range of products from milk, cheese, meat, baked goods, jams, syrups, soap, lotions, lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, natural pet treats, ethnic foods, eggs, jewelry and many kinds of crafts. Friendly vendors that take turns helping to run the other booths sales.  They have fun community activities like monthly free kids cooking classes, craft classes, baby goats to play with, and goat yoga.

How would you describe your hometown and what is unique about it? I was recently asked this question in an Uber on the way to dinner while

traveling out of state for work. My brain was immediately filled with many things that might be very familiar to someone living in a small town. Things like, friendly people, the quietness of an evening on the front porch, or maybe even the feeling of safety if you moved from a larger community, as I did. But my mind quickly moved to our Farmers Market.

I started the Farmers Market with no prior background and as a new member of my community 4 years ago. I’ve always had a love for small towns

and grew up in one in the state of IL. I longed for that peacefulness and small-town charm. My community, Stockwell, Indiana sits just outside Lafayette and is not even big enough to be considered a town, and it is called a “community” by most.  Shortly after my move here, I realized what a gem this small community is, and that other people must know the beauty here.

The Farmers Market started small, we had maybe 5 vendors to start, myself included, but I saw the potential. We struggled past Covid and grew a

little bigger each year. This year, I looked to make us stand out from other Farmer’s Markets that surround us. I had the idea to focus on “themes”.

Each month, we have a specific focus on two areas within the market. These themes, allow me to recruit more vendors for that particular theme and give them more of a VIP treatment. Here are our themes:

June: Plants & Crafts (designated plant/seed exchange area)
July: Fruits & Farms (fruit trailers, tractor display, 4H farm animals)
Aug: Garden Harvest & Honey (beekeepers, garden masters)
Sept: Baked Goods & Books (designated book exchange & recipe collection)
Oct: Fall décor & Halloween (fall family pictures, costume parade, pumpkin carving contest, cider stands). Our market now has skyrocketed with support! We now have close to 30 vendors and growing each month. For a community of only 200 houses, this is amazing!

The Terre Haute Farmers Market is a community of local growers and small businesses dedicated to supporting one another, shoppers and neighbors, and other community-minded organizations through weekly Markets and special events. It’s a place to see friends, purchase great food and artisan crafts or home goods, and listen to live music. Events like Kids’ Day, Pets’ Day, and Environmental Day, provide great family-friendly activities. There’s a focus on giving back to the community by connecting growers to food banks, featuring non-profit and other community organizations, welcoming adoptable dogs from the shelter, and  finding various ways to be good neighbors makes this more than a place to shop. It’s a diverse community, and everyone is welcome.  Just seeing a crowd of smiling, helpful, happy people always makes the day brighter!

Great small-town market! During the summer months, you can get everything in one place; fresh sweet corn, homegrown veggies, baked goods, fresh cut flowers, honey, freezer beef, wood crafts, pet snacks, and different home goods. It’s a one stop shop!
And there are several little shops in downtown Tipton to visit!

I’m writing to enthusiastically nominate the Trafalgar Farmers Market for Indiana’s Ultimate Farmers Market Challenge!

The Trafalgar Farmers Market is brand new with 2023 being the first year! Since its conception in April, they have made it a nonprofit organization with the State and IRS, they have a Board of Directors, and they are members of Indiana Grown!

The Trafalgar Farmers Market has demonstrated exceptional skills and expertise in service and support for their community!

They have consistently produced outstanding work that is earning them a great reputation among farmers market!

The Trafalgar Farmers Market was created by members who saw a need in their community for a place where farmers, artisans, and consumers could come together and support one another! Although it may be a smaller market compared to others, the heart of this organization is second to none!

Thank you for your consideration of the Trafalgar Farmers Market for the Ultimate Farmers Market Challenge!

 

This market has a great mix of local farmers, artisans and food vendors.   It’s nice and clean.  Many vendors are underneath the pavilion.   It’s in the heart of downtown Valparaiso.  Carrie, the Manager, is very easy to work with and is hands on! 

A nice eclectic mix of vendors- farmers, artisans, food vendors and more in a downtown park setting with splash pad and live music. Most of 

the vendors are under a pavilion. You can shop even when it rains.

The Vincennes Historic Farmers Market is the 2nd oldest farmers market in the State of Indiana. 

The Vincennes Farmers Market has Artisan vendors on-site offering some of everything to satisfy patrons wants from crafts, homemade  items, homemade bread, bakery items from another state, meat items, doll clothes, leather products, homemade soaps, handmade dog bowls, jewelry, eggs. woodcraft items, and flowers to name a few. The Vincennes Historic helps bring the food and other local products from the farm to the table.  It strengthens the bond between our producers and the consumer.  The market is held every Wednesday from 4 pm to 7:30 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.  There are always at least 40 vendors each week.  The vendors are provided with tables and chairs.  These vendors are always rotating and new ones come depending on the season. 

They continue to expand their mission.  They built a pavilion in 2010 to enhance the experience of both the vendors and the patrons.  The pavilion added a roof for times of rain and inclement weather as well as fans to keep everyone cool.  They have also added an area of picnic tables and bathrooms.  The farmers market encourages non-profit-organizations to do their fundraising at the farmers market.  They even have a young entrepreneur that has started their own “One Smart Cookie” business at the Pavilion.  They have musicians for additional atmosphere along with yoga and Tai chi classes. 

We are so blessed to have the Vincennes Historic Market in our community.  It offers food, fellowship, and a place to relax.

Their vendors are great quality! They have the best music and a really fun atmosphere. We love the trees and pond and all the nature that surround this market.

This farmers market is great! Each week there are over 50 vendors. They have wonderful local musicians who perform each week. There’s a nice mix of farm, food and artisan vendors. They accept SNAP and offer Double Up as well and the kids LOVE the Power of Produce Program. The Young Entrepreneur Nights are always a lot of fun! Hanging out at the market is a great way for a family to spend a Friday evening in Yorktown. It has really brought the community together.

subpage-hero-5

Indiana's Top 5 and Top 10 Oldest Farmers' Markets

Understanding Farmers Markets in Relation to Indiana's History

Indiana’s early history traces back to the 17th and 18th centuries when French missionaries and traders leaving from the port of New Orleans (LA) trekked northward on the Mississippi River searching passage to Canada and landing on the Wabash River and settling in 1732 where they established Vincennes (IN) as a trading post. The French travelled extensively the riverways in the territory using the Wabash River to journeying up and across the territory for access into Canada and then on to Quebec creating a north-south trading route. The French established trading posts along the Wabash River which later became military forts, then towns and, ultimately, our current day cities -Vincennes, Ft Quiatonon (Lafayette), Ft Wayne and Ft Detroit, Ft Wayne, Ft Quiatonon (Lafayette). The French also established trading posts in northern Indiana and that is how South Bend got it’s start. The French bartered guns, trinkets, cookware, and alcohol with the Native Americans in exchange for fur pelts which were sent back to France through New Orleans. The French maintained good relationships with the Indians in the territory and purchased land from them. It is important to acknowledge that ultimately Indiana was settled on the lands of the Miami, Shawnee, Delaware, Potawatomi, Kickapoo and other Native American tribes as the land they lived was taken from them and as they were pushed out of Indiana on the Trail of Tears and through other forced Indian migrations. The French left the territory after being defeated by the British and the colonists during the French and Indian War (1756-1763), and with the British now in control, the west was opening up for expansion for the colonies. In 1787, the Northwest Ordinance establised the Northwest Territory by the newly formed United States. The Northwest Territory was comprised of what is current day the north eastern side of Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, and in 1790, Vincennes became the capitol of the Northwest Territory opening up the “west” to the newly formed United States.

In 1800, the Indiana Territory was carved out of the Northwest Territory and Ohio becomes independent of the territory with statehood in 1803. Indiana is well on its way to statehood with Vincennes (Knox County) as the territorial capitol when a more “central” location is needed, and the territorial capitol is moved in 1813 to Corydon (Harrison County). When Indiana becomes a state in 1816, it had 15 counties, and  Knox County with Vincennes as the county seat was the largest county covering all of current day central and norther Indiana. The southern portion of the state was comprised of Gibson, Orange, Jackson, Wayne, Franklin, Posey, Warrick, Perry, Harrison (Corydon), Clark, Jefferson, Dearborn and Switzerland counties.  Indiana was settled in the  early 1800s from the east along the Ohio River with the towns of Madison, New Albany, Jeffersonville,  and Vevay forming vibrant communities for early settlers with businesses, banks, and merchants setting up shops, and even farmers market(s).  Vincennes continues to grow as capitol of the Indiana Territory and then as county seat (Knox) with busnesses, merchants, a bank, shops and a farmers market.

With the United States expanding west, Indiana grows in population with settlers arriving from New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia moving from more and more crowded cities and towns to settling in open spaces, along with new immigrants settling in to predominantly farm the land. As the state was growing northward, Indiana legislators meeting in Corydon wanted a more central location for the state capitol to better represent the entire state. Indianapolis was founded and platted (streets are planned) in 1821 to be the new seat of Indiana’s government, and officially became the state capitol when the general assembly first met in Indianapolis in 1825. 

 

From early 1800’s through to the twentieth century, Indiana was settled centrally and northward as populations from east coast, especially from New York, New England, Virginia and Pennsylvania, along with new immigrants pushed our country westward. Indiana’s deep agriculture roots were already established by the mid 1800’s when a shift occurred from pioneer self sufficiency farming to market oriented agriculture. By 1850’s, Indiana was recognized as a major supplier of corn, wheat, oats, hogs and sheep to the growing United States.  Market focused businesses were not widely accepted by all in the mid- to late-19th century, which explains why we have few new farmers markets during this time. Also, the Civil War, reconstruction and industrialization were other major factors that may have hindered the growth of farmers markets during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.  

After the US entered World War I, Victory Gardens were introduced as a way to feed the homefront. Women were left to carry on and you see farmers markets start up in Indiana with several farmers markets over 100 years old and 5 or more over 75 years old. Remarkably, two of the farmers markets were started by women post World War I, the Montgomery County Farm Women’s Market (1925) and Putnam County Farm Women’s Market (1934) and both were cooperative farmers markets. There was also the trend for Home Demonstration Clubs (current day Extnension Homemakers) starting farmers markets which besides selling produce also sold baked goods, jellies, jams, and canned goods resembling more the farmers markets we have today.

 

  • Broadsides:  Indiana the Early Years, Commerce, Trade, and Agriculture;
  • Broadsides: Indiana the Early Years, Maps;
  • Farmers’ Produce Markets in The United States, John Wann, Edwin Cake, William Elliott, and Roger Burdette. US Department of Agriculture (January, 1948);
  • Frontier Indiana, Andrew R. L. Clayton (1996);
  • Indiana, A History, Howard H. Peckham (1978);
  • Indiana Territory, A Bicentennial Perspective, Edited by Darrell E. Bigham (2001);
  • The Farmers Market Book, Growing Food, Cultivating Community by Jennifer Meta Robinson & J.A. Hartenfeld (2007);
  • The farmers market’s own research!