Canton
Greek Revival Courthouse; Built in 1855
Canton, Mississippi, was incorporated in 1834 and officially designated as the county seat of Madison County in 1836. The city is situated in the northern part of Madison County, along U.S. Route 51 just east of Interstate 55.
The city is known for its beautifully preserved Canton Courthouse Square District, featuring the county’s historic Greek Revival courthouse. Such local scenery has made Canton a popular location for movie production, including the 1996 hit, A Time to Kill, and the 2000 release, My Dog Skip.
Canton is also home to the famous Canton Flea Market, a twice-annual arts and crafts event attended by approximately 100,000 people each year, and the Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Race. Another signature event, the Victorian Christmas Festival, illuminates the town square with more than 200,000 lights and provides ample opportunities for family fun.
In 2000, the city was named as the future location of a new Nissan North America vehicle assembly plant. Nissan would ultimately bring more than 5,000 jobs to the region, with thousands more created through supplier hiring and related economic development.
In addition to increasing employment throughout Madison County, Nissan has strengthened the local community through its significant financial investments into local schools and social organizations. While Canton still retains its small-town charm and historic places, the city is reaping the benefits of a growing economy through new housing, commercial development, and enhanced infrastructure.
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