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First Monday Canton LbNA #34167 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Aug 14, 2007
Location:
City:Canton
County:Van Zandt
State:Texas
Boxes:1
Planted by:monarchtrailer
Found by: Lucy Locket
Last found:Feb 28, 2009
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFr
Last edited:Aug 14, 2007
IT ALL BEGAN ... in the 1850's, when the circuit judge stopped in Canton on the FIRST MONDAY of each month. This was the day the Judge held court. People from the area came to town on that day to conduct their business, stock their pantries and sit in on court proceedings ... and watch a few "hangings". History relates one incident where a man was hung for stealing his partner's wagon of goods for trading. He is buried facing south (not east) in Hillcrest Cemetery by the First Monday Park.

Quite naturally, many also brought their own goods, produce and livestock with them to sell or trade. This took place just off the west side of the court house square. Most history versions include the trading of wild horses, which were rounded up in the region and brought to Canton to sell.

By 1965, FIRST MONDAY had outgrown the Town Square. It was then that the City of Canton purchased six acres just two blocks North of the courthouse. FIRST MONDAY was moved off the square.

Originally, FIRST MONDAY only "happened" on the first Monday of each month, but now it usually lasts 4 days each month.

To the Letterbox:

HillCrest Cemetery is located on Hwy 19 North. It is near the Hwy 19/Hwy 64 intersection in downtown Canton. Turn into the cemetery at the main arched entrance off of Hwy 19. Drive into the cemetery and at the "T" turn right. Stop and park next to the large white cross. Walk westward along the chain link fence to a family plot area that is enclosed by a rusty iron fence. Enter the fenced area and find Dr. William Williams. He was in the Texas Artillary of the Confederate States Army. After you find Willie, walk to the southwestern corner of the rusty iron fenced area. You will see a large tree that has overtaken part of the fence. Facing that tree, look to the left side base of the tree, and you will find First Monday!