First Monday Trade Days - Canton, Texas
Posted by: 
txoilgas
N 32° 33.557 W 095° 51.641
15S E 231398 N 3606041
A 150 year old flea market that now draws crowds in the thousands the weekend before the first monday of each month.
Waymark Code: WM7T0B
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 11/29/2009
Views: 26
In the 1850s when the circuit judge stopped in Canton on the first Monday of each month to hold court, people from across Van Zandt and surrounding counties came to the Courthouse square to watch court proceedings and take care of business. Many brought their own goods to sell or trade, including produce, farm equipment and livestock. It was common to see wild horses, which were rounded up in the region, for sale on Trade Day. Canton's First Monday earned a statewide reputation as the best place to buy a good horse.
In the 1940s, as the tractor came in and the need for horses declined, hog and dog trading took its place. Buyers came from surrounding states to purchase the finest cholera-free pigs sold anywhere. First Monday also became the place to go to find a good hunting dog. Dog trading became so popular that many began referring to First Monday as "Dog Monday."
By 1965, First Monday Trade Day had outgrown the Courthouse square, so the City of Canton purchased six acres just two blocks from the Courthouse and the sale moved off the square. And while the sale originally took place only on Monday, over the years it grew to incorporate the weekend prior to the first Monday of the month. Today, trade days are Thursday through Sunday prior to the first Monday, and the sale takes place year-round, rain or shine, with booths open from about 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. or dark.
Specialization: No specialization
Flea Market's Schedule:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before the first Monday of each month.
Flea Market's Address:
800 Flea Market Road
Canton, Texas USA
75103
Flea Market's Website: [Web Link]
Specialization (if Other): Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Submit a photograph of the flea market while it is in operation.