First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas History.
First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas starts on the Thursday before the First Monday of each month and runs 4 days through Sunday
First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas has a long history. Dating back to at least the 1850's. Some versions of the trade days history say it started as a horse swap meet. Other versions talk about how the circuit judge came to town only on the first monday of each month. Thus everyone came to town to do their buying and selling so they could record the transactions with the court. I believe their is truth in both versions. Since naturally people would choose the day the judge was in town as the day to buy and sell horses as well as many other items. Although some say the horse trading on the first monday predates the circuit judge's arrival on the scene. However it began may be buried in legend and stories passed down from generation to generation. One fact stands out clearly.
First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas is widely regarded as the oldest and largest trade days in the world. It has grown from horse trading near the square and selling on the streets around the courthouse to a sprawling park covering hundreds of acres (the city owned park is approximately 160 acres), There are many areas outside the City of Canton trade days park such as Dog Alley, The Mountain, The Canton MarketPlace, and many more housing thousands of vendors and hosting millions of visitors a year.
The First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas has acquired the moniker "The World Famous First Monday Trade Days" and rightfully so! They have earned every bit of recognition they have garnered in the 150 plus years of existence. Somewhere around or before 1965 the City of Canton bought land just north of the courthouse and moved the trade days off of the town square. The original First Monday Trade Days Park was only about 6 acres. By this time the Trade Days had gained national recognition. There are many stories of interest connected to First Monday Trade Days. Far to many to include all here even in a brief summary. The rich and varied history helps to keep the mystique alive today. Come experience the World Famous First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas for yourself!
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