Van Zandt County, Texas
Van Zandt County sits in East Texas, just southeast of Dallas. It’s often called the “Free State of Van Zandt,” a nickname with a colorful history behind it. You’ll have to dig into the local stories to get the full tale.
The landscape is a mix of rolling hills, piney woods, and clear-running streams. Canton, the county seat, is famous for its First Monday Trade Days, one of the area’s biggest attractions. These enormous flea markets have been drawing shoppers and vendors for generations, with roots stretching back to the 1850s.
Agriculture remains an important part of life here, especially fruit orchards and dairy farming. The people are known for being friendly, practical, and down-to-earth. Traditions run deep, and neighbors still look out for one another. Van Zandt County feels like a slice of old-fashioned Texas where community still matters.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Van Zandt County |
| County Seat | Canton |
| Population | Approximately 62,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Canton, Grand Saline, Wills Point, Edgewood |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 80, U.S. Highway 64 |
| FIPS Code | 48-467 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,125 square miles (1,118 sq mi land, 7 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Rains County (North), Wood County (Northeast), Smith County (East), Henderson County (South), Kaufman County (West), Hunt County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 32°33’N, 95°50’W |
| Etymology | Named after Isaac Van Zandt, a Texas state representative |
| Major Landmarks | Lake Tawakoni, Canton Trade Days |
