Atlanta Through the Archives

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

Summary

On land left decimated by the Great Fire of 1917 in Old Fourth Ward, a curb market, with vendors housed in tents or outdoors, was created. It became very popular soon after opening; in 1924, the market was profitable enough to build a large brick-and-mortar enclosure. As Black vendors were not allowed to sell inside, many set up on the curb outside, inspiring the nickname “Sweet Auburn Curb Market.” With the development of highways, which drained downtown of its housing, and the rise of supermarkets, the market’s prominence waned but continued to be an important resource for lower-income and Black communities nearby. Due to local support for the market, it was eventually renovated by the city in advance of the 1996 Olympics and continues operation to this day.

SOURCES:

Davis, M. (n.d.). The Sweet Auburn Curb Market. The Histories of our Streets. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://sites.gsu.edu/historyofourstreets/2015/11/06/the-sweet-auburn-curb-market/