Salem College and the Single Sisters' House overlook it from South Church Street, while the Market-Fire House, a National Historic Landmark, stands on its western edge.

It was built after Dr. Samuel Benjamin Vierling began encouraged Salem residents to eat more fresh meat, instead of the salted version.

Fresh meat began to be delivered to the Market-Fire House on a weekly basis.

[3] On the square's southwestern corner stands a reconstruction of one of the water pumps that served the town from 1778.

[2] Several events take place in the square each year, including a long-running band concert series in the summer.