Just like most small towns in Mississippi, Canton includes a charming Courthouse Square and a historic downtown area that couldn’t be any more picturesque. Unlike other small towns, it boasts a burgeoning film industry and hosts a nationally-anticipated annual flea market that draws thousands. There really is no other town in the state quite like Canton. Need further proof? Below you’ll find some reasons we just can’t get enough of this unique little town.

Home to approximately 13,200 residents, Canton, Mississippi is located 15 miles north of Jackson and just eight miles from the renowned Natchez Trace Parkway.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
So you're nearby to some of Mississippi's most popular attractions.
Canton was legally incorporated as a town in 1836; at the time, it had a population of 400.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
According to historical records, the town received its name in one of two ways. One theory states that Canton, Mississippi is named after Canton, China, which is located on the exact opposite side of the world. The other story states the child of a local Chinese family passed away, and as a way of showing sympathy, the community named the town after the family.
By 1838, the bustling 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.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
In the early days, Canton gained notoriety for hosting the original Siamese twins, Chang and Eng. The men came to the small town to order custom suits from Perlinsky’s Tailor Shop.
Today, a majority of the picturesque town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
And that includes the stunning Greek Revival Courthouse that is located at the center of town.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
The historic building was completed in 1857, after two years of construction. In 1995, it underwent a $2,000,000 renovation.
Surrounding the courthouse, you’ll find the quaint Courthouse Square.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
The charming area is filled with one-of-a-kind shops, museums, galleries, and more.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
Spend some time exploring downtown Canton, Mississippi. You'll certainly find some unique souvenirs to take home!
Kent Kanouse/Flickr

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Made up of nearly 100 buildings, you’ll definitely want to spend some time strolling around the scenic Square.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
Venture away from the Square into the historic district and you’ll find plenty of sites from the past, including one of the oldest homes in Canton – a primitive log cabin constructed between 1820 and 1830.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
The cabin was moved to Canton in 1985. After being relocated, it was restored and furnished with period-appropriate artifacts.
When it comes to beautiful homes from the past, Canton has plenty.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
The Vanity Castle (pictured) is among the impressive homes that fill the town. The Victorian-style home dates back to 1896.
The extensive efforts made by the city to preserve the Courthouse Square and historic district have garnered some unexpected attention.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
Throughout the years, several major films, along with countless commercials, have been filmed in Canton, leading to the city's nickname - the film capital of Mississippi. "A Time to Kill," "My Dog Skip," "O Brother, Where Art Thou," and "The Rising Place" are some of the most notable productions that have taken place in Canton.
Two times a year, in May and October, the city hosts the Canton Flea Market. Held on the lawn of the courthouse, the event attracts more than a thousand vendors and over 100,000 visitors from across the country.
Canton Tourism/Facebook
The Canton Flea Market has been named one of the top twenty events in the Southeast, and is not to be missed!
Visit Canton in June and you’ll be able to attend the annual Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest.
Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest/Facebook
Held for the last 31 years, the three-day-long event includes dozens of balloons, competitive balloon races, fireworks, children’s activities, food, and live entertainment.
Canton Tourism/Facebook
For more information, visit the festival's website.
Each Christmas season, the “City of Lights” lives up to its nickname as the historic Courthouse Square is adorned with out-of-this-world decorations and over 200,000 dazzling lights.
Canton Tourism/Facebook
The Yuletide fun continues with a ton of events that include everything from pictures with Santa to a Victorian Festival to historic trolley tours – all taking place under a luminous blanket of Christmas lights.

If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out “Why Everyone In Mississippi Should Visit This One Small Town.“

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Canton, MS 39046, USA