Our Attractions

The Courthouse

The very center and glory of our town is the beautiful Greek Revival Courthouse. Members of the local Masonic Order laid the cornerstone to the Courthouse in July 1855. The Board of Police paid $26,428 for it, as well as $65 per month to a commissioner to supervise proper construction - a magnificent sum at that time. The brick used were salvaged from the old Courthouse that had been condemned in 1840 because of the deterioration of the mortar. The new Courthouse was the scene of a huge Fourth of July celebration in 1857, but was not legally accepted until 1858. The beautiful iron fence was added later at a cost of $5,250.

The large dome (twenty feet in diameter and thirty feet high) has twice been threatened with removal for security reasons. The first time was during original construction in 1856, and the second time was during remodeling in 1925. Both times the women of the town were successful in protecting it by insisting that "beauty prevail over reason."

The Courthouse has also served as a gathering place to welcome the railroad, send soldiers off to war, as a Court of Justice and the Seat of county offices, a polling place, an early library, a theater, and a hospital during the yellow fever epidemic.

The happenings within the Courthouse walls have reflected the humorous, chivalrous, hardheaded, hospitable personalities who have given the South its distinctive character. During reconstruction, there was so much ballot box stuffing and tensions that when Election Day threatened to become bloody, a group of officials dispersed a gathering crowd by climbing into the dome and shooting down rocks with sling shots.

The legal chambers within the Courthouse have witnessed many fiery trials, several of which resulted in duels between lawyers. When dueling had been outlawed in the state, Judge Calhoun and Judge Bowers, respecting the law, traveled together to Vicksburg and crossed the river into Louisiana to settle a court quarrel with pistols. Neither man was injured, it was simply a matter of honor.

In 1994-1995 a new Courthouse was built one block north of the Square and the beautiful old Courthouse underwent a $2,000,000 renovation. The 1855 cornerstone was opened and re-laid by the Masonic Order. The first floor is currently home to the Madison County Economic Development Authority, and the old courtroom, on the second floor, is currently not in use.

The Courthouse Square

In 1982, the Canton Courthouse Square District was officially entered into the National Register of Historic Places and declared one of three best examples in the State of Mississippi.

The Courthouse Square, still the focus of exciting activities, is the scene twice yearly of the nationally famous Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show. The Market attracts up to 100,000 visitors annually from across the United States and beyond.

It is estimated that over $20,000,000 in public and private funding has been invested in the Canton Square District, including the new and old Courthouses.

In recent years, the beauty, uniqueness, and preservation efforts of our Courthouse Square and Historic District, with its beautiful homes, have attracted the attention of Hollywood. In addition to the five major films, many advertising agencies have chosen Canton as the location for commercial and corporate shoots, and PBS again chose the town for a segment of a six hour blues documentary on blues great Skip James to air in 2003.

Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show

We invite you to visit Canton for one of the South's original & finest arts & crafts shows!

"Top Twenty Event in the Southeast", Southeast Tourism Society
"Outstanding Promotional Event in the State of Mississippi", Mississippi Downtown Development Association
"Best of the Best of Mississippi", Mississippi Magazine
"Top 100 Event", American Bus Association

The famous Canton Flea Market attracts artisans nationally to showcase handcrafted items such as pottery, jewelry, and unique arts & crafts. This bi-annual event attracts over 1,100 superior artists and craftsmen to within walking distance of the downtown area. Handmade arts and crafts are located on the Courthouse grounds and the adjacent Union and Center Streets. Additional crafts exhibits are on the church properties on Peace Street, at the Old Jail Museum behind City Hall and on two blocks of East Fulton Street.

Outstanding artists and craftsmen display their work on the beautiful grounds of the historic Madison County Courthouse and throughout the surrounding area. Take advantage of excellent shopping opportunities at the Flea Market as well as Canton's surrounding merchants. The Canton Flea Market features:

"Antique & Gift Square of Mississippi"

The bi-annual Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show, a one-day show, is held on the second Thursday of May and October. It is a litter free event.

Exhibits are by invitation only. To participate in the Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show, please contact the Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau and request an application. Along with your completed application, you are required to send in photographs of your art or craft. All items must be handmade, or partially handmade, by the vendor. If selected to participate, you will be contacted by a Sponsor who has chosen your application.

All spaces are 10' X 12' in size and are $140 per space. This cost covers the $80.00 fee for the City of Canton sales permit and the Sponsor's $60.00 rental fee. Applications, hotel listings and hospitality facilities are available through the Canton Convention & Visitor's Bureau (601) 859-1307 or (800) 844-3369.