Today’s rich sepia capture of Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market was submitted by Nesha, who visits the area often.

St. Lawrence Market has been an intrinsic part of Toronto culture since the early 1800’s. A market is only one small part of its history though. This building and area has been everything from a market ground to a political centre, a meeting place and a war ground. Part of it even burned down in the Great Fire of 1849, only to be built up again right away.

Originally home to Toronto’s City Hall, it also became home to the the Toronto Police (one of the first organized Forces in North America) as Police Station #1 with a jail built right in. Perhaps handy as it would also soon become the setting of a number of riots.

From there it became a market as well as a civic art gallery to house the city’s fine art collection.

And today? From fresh veggies to dusty antiques, it’s a thriving marketplace and weekend retreat for many of us, including Nesha.

Related links:

History of St Lawrence Market

More photos by Nesha

Filed under: Toronto on May 24th, 2007