The Fulton Fish Market: A History

The Fulton Fish Market in New York City is a historic institution that has been a wholesale fish and seafood market since the late 19th century. It has been celebrated in literature and popular culture and is a vital distribution point for fish. This book explores the market's history, its significance, and how it has shaped American cuisine, commerce, and culture.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The Fulton Fish Market, a New York City landmark, has a rich history that spans from its humble beginnings as a neighborhood retail market to becoming the largest fish and seafood wholesaling center in the nation by the late 19th century. Waves of immigrants who worked at the Fulton Fish Market brought their seafood traditions to the city, introducing New Yorkers to a wide range of fresh and flavorful fish species. The market has been celebrated in popular culture, notably in Joseph Mitchell's iconic article "The New Yorker," which evokes images of the bustling East River waterfront, late-night fishmongering, organized crime, and a vanished working-class New York.

This book, written by Jonathan H. Rees, offers a lively and comprehensive history of the Fulton Fish Market, covering its inception in 1822 and its relocation to the Bronx in 2005. Rees delves into the workings and significance of the market, exploring the transportation, retail, and consumption of fish. He tells the stories of the people and institutions that depended on the Fulton Fish Market, including fishermen, retail stores, restaurants, and chefs, and demonstrates how the market influenced what customers in New York and around the country ate.

Rees examines the transformations in food provisioning systems through the lens of a vital distribution point, arguing that the wholesale dealers at the Fulton Fish Market were innovative businessmen who adapted to technological change in a dynamic industry. He also explains how changes in the urban landscape and economy affected the history of the market and the surrounding neighborhood.

By bringing together economic, technological, urban, culinary, and environmental history, this book showcases how the Fulton Fish Market shaped American cuisine, commerce, and culture. It provides a deep understanding of the market's historical significance and its ongoing impact on the culinary world. Whether you are a food lover, historian, or simply interested in the evolution of New York City, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the rich tapestry of the Fulton Fish Market.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231202572