Erected in the mid-1790's, this market house is built of large oak timbers and was once a slave trading market. The bell that hangs in the tower was cast in France in 1772 for a New Orleans convent and was taken from the French ship by pirates. The pirate ship in turn was captured near
Savannah and the bell was reclaimed. Latter sent to the new capital, the bell was rung to celebrate the independence of the 15 Colonies. It is now only rung on special occasions.