Barranquilla's public market: Constitution and consolidation (1880-1930)

Abstract

At the end of the 19th century, Barranquilla experienced a rapid economic growth and social expansion that defined its commercial orientation. So far, this process has been explained in terms of its location, national and international market networks, migratory flow, and its connection with productive centers. However, the fact that this growth led to a significant urban demand for sustainable regulated food markets that were profitable has been paid little attention. This article exposes the main motivations that gave rise to Barranquilla's Public Market project, a milestone in the formalization of wholesale market. In order to do so, the conditions surrounding its creation were analyzed along with the impact that subsequent government management cycles had on its consolidation. In fact, these cycles were differentiated by two types of administration: private and public. In this way, it could be concluded that the public-private administration had a crucial role in establishing the public market as one of the most valuable assets of the city due to its structural characteristics, service, organization and profitability.