History Canton, North Carolina

champion factory in 1937

the area first settled in late 1780s. 1790 jonathan mcpeters farming banks of pigeon river canton stands. around 1815 first church built in become canton; called locust old field baptist church.

canton founded in 1889 buford, later same year name changed vinson. name changed pigeon ford in 1891. name changed canton in 1893. town named canton, ohio, source of steel bridge on pigeon river.

canton site of champion international paper factory. champion contributed largely local economy, , largest employer in canton. upon champion s decision close plant in 1997, employees of champion purchased plant , formed blue ridge paper company. under esop, employees owned 45% stake in new company, although has since been sold. plant owned evergreen packaging. blue ridge southern railroad switches plant , has small yard right next plant.

the canton main street historic district , colonial theater listed on national register of historic places.