First Monday’s Rich History: How a Small Trade Event Became a Texas Tradition

If you’re from Texas, chances are you’ve heard of First Monday Trade Days in Canton — or better yet, you’ve walked the miles of vendors, smelled the kettle corn, and stumbled upon the perfect antique you didn’t know you needed. But behind the bustling market and loyal crowds is a story rooted deep in Texas tradition.  From Horse Trading to Historic Gathering

The origins of First Monday go all the way back to the 1850s, when locals would gather in Canton on the first Monday of each month to attend court sessions. Folks coming in from neighboring towns would bring livestock, homegrown goods, and handmade items to sell or trade while they were in town.

It wasn’t long before the trading became just as important — if not more — than the court proceedings themselves. Horses, tools, and wagons were exchanged in a laid-back, down-home version of commerce. Over time, the crowd grew... and grew... and grew.  From Dirt Lots to Dealer’s Paradise

As decades passed, the courthouse trading scene evolved into a full-on marketplace. Vendors began setting up more permanent spots, families passed down booth spaces, and the event eventually spilled into open fields and covered pavilions.

What once was a small-town trade meetup transformed into a world-famous flea market — one that now spans hundreds of acres and draws over 100,000 visitors on a good weekend. It’s a place where you can find anything from vintage signs to custom furniture, boutique clothing to handmade soaps, and everything in between.  A Texas Staple That Sticks

What makes First Monday so iconic isn’t just the shopping — it’s the spirit of the place. It’s the friendly greetings from vendors, the thrill of a good find, the smell of funnel cakes in the air, and the unmistakable feeling of being part of something bigger than just a market.

It’s a reminder of a time when trading was personal, handshakes meant something, and community mattered.  A Living Legacy

Today, First Monday Trade Days is not only the largest flea market in the world, it’s also a living legacy — a monthly event that brings people together from across Texas (and beyond) to celebrate creativity, tradition, and good ol’ fashioned Texas grit.

Whether you’re hunting for antiques, building your small business, or just there for the corn dogs, First Monday is more than a market — it’s a Texas tradition built on history, heart, and a whole lot of hustle.