Ten Reasons to Be Thankful for Our Little Slice of Mississippi Heaven

By Courtney Warren

As the autumn leaves start to fall and the holidays approach, there is no better time to appreciate the small-town charm and big-city history that make Canton a truly special place to live. Our community is rich with unique history, cinematic fame and treasured traditions.

The Canton News is sharing ten reasons why we are thankful for Canton this season:

One: The Movie Capital of Mississippi. Our quaint, picturesque streets and historic square have long captured Hollywood’s attention. Canton has served as the filming location for five major feature films, earning us the proud nickname, “The Movie Capital of Mississippi.”

Two: The National Register Historic District. The Canton Courthouse Square Historic District, surrounding our beautiful Greek Revival courthouse built in 1855, was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It is considered one of the three best examples of its kind in the state.

Three: The World-Famous Flea Market. Twice a year, our downtown square transforms into the nationally-famous Canton Flea Market Arts and Crafts Show. The market, which started modestly in 1965, now attracts up to one hundred thousand visitors annually, making it one of the largest outdoor craft markets in the South.

Four: The Bright Lights of Christmas. Canton celebrates the holiday season with the spectacular Victorian Christmas Festival, also known as the “City of Lights.” The monthlong festival transforms the square with thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays, drawing visitors from across the region.

Five: A Cradle of Art. Canton is the birthplace of the Mississippi Art Colony, which holds the distinction of being the oldest continuous, self-governed art colony in the country. Its legacy is documented at the Smithsonian Institute.

Six: Our Architectural Gem. The Madison County Courthouse, built in 1855, remains one of only seven pre-Civil War courthouses in Mississippi that is in an unaltered condition. Its Georgian architecture and large dome (twice protected from removal by the insistence of local women) stand as a centerpiece of local history.

Seven: The Historic Old Jail. The Old Madison County Jail, constructed in 1870, served the county for 99 years and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving a unique part of local law enforcement history.

Eight: The Blues Trail Connection. Music lovers can celebrate our connection to the rich musical legacy of the state. Canton is part of the famed Mississippi Blues Trail, celebrating the area’s contributions to the genre, including its ties to blues legend Elmore James.

Nine: Community and Commerce. Home to major facilities like the Nissan assembly plant, Canton enjoys the best of both worlds: small-town charm with access to modern industry, providing economic opportunity within a close-knit community setting.

Ten: A Place for All Stories. The Canton Multicultural Center and Museum provides a dedicated space focusing on the life and struggles of African Americans in Canton and Madison County, ensuring the diverse heritage and pivotal role of the Civil Rights movement in our area are remembered and celebrated.