Canton

Canton, like most small towns in Mississippi, has a charming Courthouse Square and a historic downtown area that is picture-perfect. Unlike other small towns, it has a thriving film industry and a popular annual flea market that draws thousands. Canton is the only town in the state that is quite like it. Canton, Mississippi, with a population of about 13,200 people, is located 15 miles north of Jackson and just eight miles from the famous Natchez Trace Parkway. Canton was incorporated as a town in 1836, with a population of 400 people.

The town got its name in one of two ways, according to historical records. According to one theory, Canton, Mississippi was named after Canton, China, which is located on the opposite side of the world. According to the other story, a local Chinese family's child died, and the community named the town after the family out of sympathy. The thriving town had two banks, two hotels, ten dry goods stores, a drug store, three grocery stores, a bakery, a tin shop, three tailor shops, two watchmakers, a courthouse, a jail, a church, and a female academy by 1838.

The majority of the charming town is now on the National Register of Historic Places. And that includes the stunning Greek Revival Courthouse in the heart of town. After a two-year construction period, the historic structure was completed in 1857. It was renovated for $2,000,000 in 1995. The charming Courthouse Square surrounds the courthouse. The charming neighborhood is filled with one-of-a-kind shops, museums, galleries, and other attractions. Spend some time exploring Canton, Mississippi's downtown. You'll undoubtedly find some one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home!