The Old Madison County Jail is a two-story brick building dating from 1870–1871 and is one of the most remarkable and best-preserved 19th-century correctional facilities in Mississippi. Canton’s history can also be explored through its churches, schools, museums, and sites of former community life.
Buildings and Historical Layers
Mount Zion Baptist Church was founded around 1865; the present church building was constructed in 1929. The two dates tell different parts of its architectural history: the founding of the congregation and the construction of the current building. Sister Thea Bowman’s home in Canton also has a distinct architectural history. Built in the early 20th century, it was originally a traditional shotgun house and was transformed into a single-story bungalow through additions.
The Howcott Monument offers a different architectural note: the 20-foot-tall gray obelisk was erected between 1894 and 1900 and stands as a symbol of racial unity. At the Canton Museum of History, objects offer insights into merchants’ shops and businesses. Exhibits include a butter churn, an adding machine from a bank teller area, a pharmacy counter, and an old Coca-Cola cooler dispenser. These tangible objects complement the major historical themes with examples from everyday business life.
Community, Education, and Civil Rights
Hickory Street, locally known as “The Hollow,” was a center of social life, commerce, and entertainment for Canton’s African American community until the 1970s. The Canton Multicultural Center and Museum offers another perspective on this history. Its permanent exhibit explores the history, family life, business life, and community life of African Americans, as well as their struggle for civil rights.
The exhibit includes an interactive video kiosk and large-format graphics on eight panels. Topics range from early struggles and agriculture to economic achievements, school life, and electoral victories, as well as freedom struggles, community, and family. Cameron Street School adds to this look at the history of education: it was the first consolidated school for Black students in Madison County and was built in 1936 or earlier.
Together, these sites offer different ways to explore Canton’s history: buildings and monuments provide visible points of reference across time, while the museum exhibits and the history of Cameron Street School foreground community, education, and civil rights.
Nature and Event Dates
Near Canton, Cypress Swamp serves as the starting point for the Yockanookany Section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. The trailhead for this section is across the Parkway from Cypress Swamp. Nature and historical topics are distinct areas of interest to consider when planning your stay.
The Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show takes place twice a year, on the second Thursday in May and October. It features handmade goods, including pottery, jewelry, and arts and crafts. Dates and arrangements may change; if the show is important to your travel plans, check the specific event dates in advance.
Arrange a Tour
Tours in Canton are available by appointment; you must call ahead. You can arrange tours of the Canton Multicultural Center and Museum through the Canton Welcome Center at (601) 859-1307. Plan ahead if you want a tour of the exhibits to be part of your stay.
Explore more destinations: Ridgeland.
Return to the broader travel guide: Madison.
