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Farmers markets have existed in various forms throughout much of American history, and their role in American cities and communities has developed over time. The first farmers market in the United States is said to have opened in Boston, Massachusetts in 1634 with a few others to shortly follow in other cities including New York City and Philadelphia (Nudi). However, the rise in grocery stores began to defeat the purpose of farmers markets, but they were not completely forgotten. The role of farmers markets in cities is something that has been of certain importance throughout history. There is a certain vibe and feeling that can only come from shopping at one’s local farmers market that keeps loyal customers coming back week after week. Shopping at a grocery store is not nearly the same experience as a farmers market.

Throughout this blog, I will take a look at the history surrounding farmers markets in America, as well as their role in American society and culture today, especially their relationship to the city as a whole. As a Richmond, Virginia native, I grew up attending local farmers markets around the Richmond area and have experienced their role and impact on my community. Because of this, I elected to focus specifically on the growth of farmers markets in the Richmond area, with references to the history of the city, the progression of it as an urban center, and overall the role of farmers markets in the community. I also got the chance to engage in various forms of fieldwork including: attending a market, reading news and opinion sources about a controversial market, as well as communicate with executives from various nonprofits that advocate for farmers markets in the Richmond area.

The two main terms that can be linked with farmers markets for this unit are: progress and urbanism. Through researching and analyzing the role of farmers markets, we can link the urbanization of the city of Richmond as well as notions of progress in various senses: of the city, of the markets throughout history, and ideas about food and community.