Traditions Of Excellence

From the time Canton’s first school (Canton Academy) was established in 1853, education has been a major priority for the citizens in Canton and the surrounding areas.

Today, the Canton Independent School District is one of he three largest school districts in Van Zandt County.

At the start of the 2002-2003 school year, Canton Independent School District had 1,697 students enrolled. Canton ISD has four campuses: Canton High School, Canton Junior High School, Canton Intermediate School, and Canton Elementary School.

Canton Independent School District regularly receives top ratings from the Texas Education Agency, and has previously been named an ‘Exemplary’ district. Canton High School and Canton Junior High are currently designated ‘Exemplary’ campuses.

Canton High School offers a broad range of courses for its students ranging from Web Mastering - where students learn how to construct Internet Websites - to math, science and social studies.

The district offers a wide range of extracurricular activities in which many students participate. Fine arts program includes theatre arts, choir, art, and band while athletic programs include football, girls and boys basketball, cross country, baseball and soft ball. This year, in addition to two all-state band students, CHS will also have students participating in all-state choir.

In addition to the state recognized Mighty Eagle Band, several other Canton High School programs have achieved UIL state recognition including boys cross country, (2000 3A State Champions), boys golf, and Literary Criticism.

The City of Canton: Home of First Monday

Canton is known far and wide for the world famous First Monday trade days, held the weekend prior to the first Monday in each month. It is one of the largest outdoor flea markets in the world. The trade days began small, as people coming to Canton for the district court docket on the first Monday of each month brought animals and dry goods to trade on the downtown square, and grew from there. In 1965, the city of Canton purchased six-and-one half acres of land and designated it as a trading area, Today, First Monday Trade Days includes more than 150 acres of land and thousands of vendors in open air markets and pavilions.

A backbone of the Canton economy, sales tax revenue generated from First Monday Trade Days has helped the city of Canton become one of the largest incorporated municipalities in the state not having to collect property taxes to pay for city government.

In 2000, the population of Canton was 3,292. The city of Canton boasts a museum, easy access to Interstate 20, and several major industries.

In November, the city of Canton sponsored a parade for the Canton High School Band in recognition of its many achievements. The band is shown at left on the courthouse square in Canton after the parade.

Canton, the County seat of Van Zandt County, is located on State Highways 19 and 64 on the Mill Creek tributary of the Sabine River. Canton was first settled in 1850, when the town was laid out and the district court first convened in the city.

Van Zandt County: The Free State

Located 50 miles east of Dallas, Van Zandt Country was established by the Texas Legislature in 1848 and formed from part of Henderson country and was named for Republic of Texas leader Issac Van Zandt. Jordan’s Saline was the first country seat. The county seat was moved to Canton in 1850.

Often called “The Free State of Van Zandt,” there are different explanations for how the counties eared this moniker. According to some sources, the origin of the name dated to the county’s founding. At the time, Henderson Country assumed all existing debts, leaving Van Zandt County a debt-free territory, causing resentful Henderson County politicians to refer to it as a free state. Another explanation concerns an 1861 meeting when some 350 county residents met to oppose secession. They reasoned if Texas could leave the union, then the county could leave the state. The group actually tried to organize a government until threatened with military action. A third story claims a slave owner from another state came through the county seeking a place to keep his slaves after Confederate defeats. Asked if the county would suffice, he reportedly replied no, and that he would as soon take them to a free state. The final explanation dates to Federal Reconstruction, when residents of the county actually declared the county independence of state and national authority, which caused General Philip H. Sheridan to send troops, capture and imprison the perpetrators.

Today, the county is home to seven incorporated municipalities, seven independent school district, and various industries. Each of the county’s schools excels in a variety of many areas, and have produced state championship teams in football, basketball, and other sports and UIL academic activities.