The street that gave the area its name and reputation was Maxwell Street, home of the famous open-air market. In 1912 the City of Chicago passed an ordinance that created a public market on Maxwell Street and the office of superintendent to oversee the market and collect fees. At its peak, the Maxwell Street market stretched six blocks - from Clinton to Sangamon - and the area held 2,000 vendors selling from stalls, stores, wagons, and boxes. The market developed a reputation for aggressive sales tactics and colorful bartering.