Van Zandt County is a rural county in East Texas that is sometimes referred to as the "Free State of Van Zandt County." It was named for Isaac Van Zandt, a leader of the Republic of Texas. Van Zandt County was established in 1848 shortly after Texas was annexed by the United States. With a population of roughly 48,000, Van Zandt is made up of rural towns that take pride in their history and communities.
Canton is Van Zandt County's seat; it is located near the county's geographic center. It was established in that role in 1850, but a surveying error led to several political disputes over where the county courthouse was supposed to be built. The issue was not settled until 1877, when Wills Point narrowly lost a special election to move the county seat. In 2010, this town of 3,292 people is best known for its First Monday Trade Days, a outdoor market that has taken place every month since the city was established.
Edgewood is a rural community of 1,348 people just north of Canton. Canton residents established Edgewood in the 1870s as a shipping depot for the Texas and Pacific Railroad. The railroad brought new settlers, and the rough town developed into a community. The town was a thriving trade center for cotton until prices bottomed out in the late 1920s. After the Great Depression, the town's economy briefly rebounded through the popularity of local tomatoes. However, the economy withered once again during the turbulence of World War II. It was saved in the 1960s when the opening of the Northeast Gas Field brought new residents to the area.
Located about 15 miles north of Canton, Grand Saline is known as the "Salt Capital of Texas" because it is near extensive salt mines. Originally known as Johnson's Saline, the town became Grand Saline when the railroad arrived in 1873. Grand Saline is also home to the meat packing, farming and oil industries. The country's largest salt producer, Chicago-based Morton Salt, has been mining salt in the area since the 1890s. Local celebrations include the Salt Festival and Rodeo and an annual Christmas parade. It is home to the Main Street Salt House, a modern building constructed out of salt blocks. In the 2000 census, the population was just over 2,800.
Wills Point, which was settled in 1873, is named after William Wills, a settler who arrived in Texas in 1846. This town is known for its red brick streets, historic buildings and monuments. It is home to the Cartwright School, the Majestic Movie Theater and Bruce and Human Drug Company. It is also the home of Lake Tawakoni State Park and several annual events, including the Bluebird Festival and Relay For Life. In the 2000 census, the population was 3,496.
