Our Parks - Market Square/Bullnose

Address/Location: Market Square is a .30 acre triangle at the intersection of Merrimac, Water, and State Streets. 

Features: The bullnose is a rounded corner made of granite steps. Market Square is ringed by benches and shade trees. Located in the heart of downtown Newburyport, it is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and steps from Waterfront Park.

History

• Market Square was originally the center of town for selling goods off clipper ships from all over the world. Today it hosts the city’s Christmas tree and other public events and celebrations.
• In 1773 there was a Revolutionary act of tea burning by citizens in the Square.
• The Square is the original location of the Newburyport Hotel, later known as the Dexter Hotel.
• In 1975 a granite marker was placed in the Bullnose with an inscription by Newburyport resident Philip Stern:

                    Pause O passers by 

                    Hear ye the lively star of trade

                   Whilst echoes of freedom’s fury

                   Rise above the reek of burning tea

                   Mingling with the brisk breezes off the sea

• The American Institute of Architecture chose the design of Market Square as its 1980 Honor Award.