New Market, AL

New Market is a small town located in Marshall County, Alabama. The population was 2,711 at the 2010 census. New Market is known for its historic downtown district and its many antique stores and galleries. The town's economy is based largely on the antique trade, with a number of antiques dealerships and art galleries located within the downtown area.

New Market was founded in 1825 by James Patton, who named it after his home town of Newmarket in Suffolk, England. The early economy of New Market was based largely on agriculture; however, with the arrival of the railroad in 1881 and the development of coal mining in nearby Coal Hill, the town began to grow rapidly. By 1900, New Market had become an important commercial center for Marshall County; however, with the onset of World War II and the subsequent decline in traffic along Route 4 (the main highway through Marshall County), many businesses closed down or moved away from New Market.

Today, although tourism remains a significant part of the local economy (particularly during festivals such as Antique Week and Christmas), most businesses are still oriented towards traditional retail sales (antiques, clothing stores, etc.). As a result of this diversification into other sectors of commerce (and relative stability compared to other towns in Marshall County), New Market has managed to maintain its status as one of Alabama's most prosperous small towns.