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Canton, Texas is a small All-American town with that small All-American feel. This tight-knit community of 5,100 share honest-to-goodness values found lacking in many societies today. Family comes first with Canton residents, and neighbors care for neighbors. An easygoing attitude prevails around town, and there is a remarkably small occurrence of serious crime. Located in the center of Van Zandt County, Canton is the county seat and a flourishing center of activity for most of East Texas.
Canton-Hackney Airport lies just north of town on I-20. Canton’s proximity to Interstate Highway I-20 is within 1 mile, and Highways 19, 64, and 243 all pass within the city limits. A 30-minute drive will get you to the Amtrak Station in Mineola.
The City of Canton, Texas was incorporated in 1919. At that point in time, Wood and Raines Counties were separated from Van Zandt County, and they decided to move the county seat closer to the geographical center of the county. Property was chosen two-and-a-half miles northwest of where the town of Canton is currently located. The property selected by the surveyor was then delineated into blocks and lots. Due to the crude maps of the time and the rough, unmarked wilderness that offered few landmarks, the surveyor started off the mark in his calculations. This inaccuracy resulted in the city actually being located on private property rather than where it was originally intended to be located.
A new courthouse, jail, and post office were built in 1851. In December of 1852, a patent to the 320 acres of designated land was issued to the Chief Justice of Van Zandt County by the State of Texas. It was brought to light shortly thereafter by the original surveyor that the plans were inaccurate by two-and-a-half miles, and an argument was begun. The citizens of Van Zandt County favored the county seat being moved to the proper location. Residents of Canton, however, opted to remain where they were. The Chief Justice of the county explained the situation to the rightful owner of the property, and the 160 acres of his on which the county was sitting were generously donated, and the town of Canton remained where it was. 
The people of Canton were pleased with this decision, but those in the county who had wanted the county seat to be moved to the place of original intention were bitter. In 1877 a vote was held to decide whether the county seat of Van Zandt County would remain where it was or be moved to Wills Point, the location where it rightfully would have been placed if the surveying mistake had not been made. A two-thirds majority in favor of relocating the county seat was not achieved, and the motion failed. This caused the citizens of Wills Point to contest the results, and a battle ensued. To this date, Canton remains the county seat of Van Zandt County, Texas.
Blackwell House Museum ~ Visit this historic landmark built in 1886 and housed in the oldest home in Canton, and you can’t help but get a feel for yesteryear!
Blueberry Hill Farms ~ Find your thrill…pick your own blueberries.
Buffalo Creek Motocross Park ~ Featuring five different soil types, awesome jumps, winding outdoor layout, and more…Buffalo Creek…real motorcross!
Canton Plaza Museum ~ Since 2001, the Canton Plaza Museum has proudly displayed a variety of local historic items, including a Civil War collection and the First Monday Museum collection. 
East Texas Gators & Wildlife Park ~ Real live alligators…freshly hatched to over 13 feet long, and other reptiles as well!
Hillcrest Cemetery ~ The oldest cemetery in Canton, Hillcrest Cemetery is rich in history.
Splash Kingdom Family Water Park ~ A fun, affordable way to spend a hot day with the kids.
Van Zandt County Library of Genealogy and Local History ~ Whether you are a serious researcher on a mission, or just interested in the local history of the county, this is a seriously interesting place to be!
Wired ~ Home of the tallest towers and longest zip line in Texas…get Wired!
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center ~ Offering a visitor center, educational programming, and a production freshwater hatchery, this center features dozens of species of native fish, waterfowl, alligators and amphibians. 
Texas Rose Horse Park ~ “Where the best come to compete.”
Van Area Oil & Historical Museum ~ Discover the heritage of yesterday’s “Boom Town.”
Wills Point Depot Museum ~ Step back in time into the rich city, county, and railroad history.
Small-town gatherings are a regular thing in Canton. From the Annual Autumn Stroll Barbeque Cook-off Festival to the Bluegrass Festival, residents and visitors alike are invited to participate in the action, let their hair down, and have some good, old-fashioned fun!
Canton is best known, however, for its world-famous First Monday Trade Days. Held on the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday preceding the first Monday of every month, this impressive event brings folks from far and wide to partake in what is touted as the oldest and largest flea market in the United States.
For more events visit: http://www.firstmondaycanton.com/
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Canton is home to a plethora of beautiful parks that lend themselves perfectly to healthy outdoor lifestyles.
Whether your sport of choice comes in the form of fishing, swimming, tennis, golf, playing at the playground, or just relaxing at a picnic and taking in the beautiful surroundings, Canton has the ideal site for you!
Click here to visit a complete listing of the parks in and near Canton