If you've ever wandered the fields of Canton, TX on the weekend before the first Monday of the
month, you've felt it -- the energy, the nostalgia, the hunt.

But where did it all begin? And how did a small-town trade meetup become the largest flea market in
the U.S.?

Let's walk through the real story of First Monday Trade Days, and why Visit First Monday is now the
official home for everything you need to know about shopping, parking, planning, and connecting
with this iconic Texas experience.

The Humble Beginnings: Court, Trade, and Community

The story of First Monday begins in the 1850s, when locals from across East Texas would gather in
Canton on the first Monday of the month -- not for shopping, but for court sessions. As the
courthouse buzzed with legal affairs, locals brought livestock, tools, and handmade goods to trade
on the courthouse lawn.

Soon, the trading became more important than the court. Horses, wagons, seeds, and homegrown
goods exchanged hands. People came from miles away, and what started as a side hustle grew into
something bigger -- a cultural tradition built on trust, grit, and community.

From Grassroots to Global: How It Became the Largest Flea Market in America

Over the years, the trade days expanded beyond the courthouse lawn and into nearby fields.
Families began passing down booth spaces through generations. Vendors set up permanent stalls.
And what once was a town square tradition turned into a 450+ acre market with over 5,000 vendors
and 100,000+ visitors each month.

First Monday Canton: The Original Texas Tradition Still Going Strong
Today, First Monday Trade Days is world-renowned, attracting treasure hunters, small business
owners, vintage collectors, and curious travelers from all over.

What You'll Find at First Monday (Hint: Everything)
There's a reason people return to Canton again and again -- you'll never see the same market twice.
New vendors, seasonal booths, and rare finds make every trip a new experience.

Expect to find:
- Antique signs, furniture, and retro treasures
- Boutique clothing, hats, and one-of-a-kind accessories
- Handmade soaps, candles, jewelry, and skincare
- Custom furniture, woodwork, and home décor
- Garden art, pet accessories, and kid-friendly booths
- Classic fair food -- funnel cakes, lemonade, smoked meats, and more

Why VisitFirstMonday.com Is Now the Official Guide
The Canton flea market experience can be overwhelming -- that's why VisitFirstMonday.com was
created. We're not just another directory. We're a vendor-first, visitor-focused, family-run team
dedicated to making your trip simple, fun, and unforgettable.

At Visit First Monday, you can:
- Explore our interactive vendor map
- Find the best $5 parking lots and shuttle options
- Book RV spots or local lodging ahead of time
- Discover vendor stories and plan your must-see booths
- Enter giveaways and scavenger hunts during each market

We're even working on a mobile app, so your First Monday experience can be at your fingertips --
wherever you are.

A Legacy Carried Forward
We honor the market's roots -- and the man who helped shape its future: Henry Lewis, a longtime
leader whose impact on First Monday still lives on through the vendors and families who set up
every month.

Today, Visit First Monday keeps that legacy alive, helping shoppers and vendors alike thrive through
connection, storytelling, and a shared love of tradition.

Plan Your Trip -- The Market Is Calling
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned picker, there's no place like First Monday. But don't wait
-- booths go fast, parking fills early, and the treasures don't sit around.

The market opens the weekend before the first Monday of every month -- rain or shine.

Follow us @VisitFirstMonday on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for real-time updates, vendor
features, and live market tips.

Use #VisitFirstMonday to get featured and show off your finds!
Come for the Finds. Stay for the Feeling.
It's more than a flea market -- it's a living legacy built on community, creativity, and good ol' Texas
hustle.

VisitFirstMonday.com is where your adventure begins.
Let us help you plan your visit, meet the vendors, and become part of the tradition that's been
​thriving for over 170 years.