Page Contents for Lexington, Virginia

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

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Statistics & Facts

The Virginia state capital is Richmond.
The population of Lexington is approximately 6,959 (1990), 7042 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 2,311 (1990), 2237 (2010).
The amount of land area in Lexington is 6.459 sq. kilometers.
The amount of surface water is 0 sq kilometers.
The distance from Lexington to Washington DC is 157 miles.
The distance to the Virginia state capital is 113 miles. (as the crow flies)
Lexington is positioned 37.78 degrees north of the equator and 79.44 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Lexington elevation is 1,100 feet above sea level.

Location

in north-central Virginia, northeast of Roanoke. Lexington is an independent city not associated with any county.
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History & History Related Items

Lexington is a historic place. Four American generals: George Washington, Robert E. Lee, Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, and George C. Marshall - all played a part in Lexington history. Lee and Jackson, Civil War heros, had homes in Lexington and are buried here. A fire destroyed downtown Lexington in 1796, but the Alexander-Withrow House, one of the few that survived the fire, is still standing and has been restored.
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Attractions

Stonewall Jackson House
8 E. Washington St.
Lexington, VA
Phone: 540-463-2552
This was the home of General Thomas J. Jackson from 1859 until he died in 1863. The area has been restored with period furnishings along with some original pieces and personal effects. Guided tours and a slide show are available.

Virginia Military Institute
off Main St.
Lexington, VA
Phone: 540-646-7325
The Institute is listed on the National register of Historic Districts. It was founded in 1839 as the country's first state-support military college.Some alumni of the institute are General George C. Marshall and Admiral Richard E. Byrd.

Washington and Lee University
off Jefferson St.
Phone: 540-463-8768
The university was founded as Augusta Academy in 1749. It evolved into Liberty Hall Academy in 1876. Endowed by George Washington in 1796 it was renamed Washington Academy two years later. The president of the college was General Robert E. Lee from the end of the Civil War until his death in 1870. At that time, the name of the University was changed to Washington and Lee University. The Lee Chapel at the University was built in 1867 under his direction. It is now a shrine to General Lee, particularly with his office just as he left it on Sept. 28, 1870. He and his family are buried under the chapel on the museum level.

Natural Bridge
P.O. Box 57
Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Phone: 540-291-2121
Toll-free: 800-533-1410 (USA)
Fax: 540-291-1896
Email: Natbrg@aol.com
On U.S. 11 less than 5 minutes from I-81 and about 20 miles from Lexington.
A privately owned area, Natural Bridge is a Virginia Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
See the Natural Bridge, the Glen and the Cedar Creek Trail. Also something to see are the Natural Bridge Caverns, the Wax Museum and Factory.
The Natural Bridge was known by the Monocan Indians as "The Bridge of God," and was used by them for worship. George Washington surveyed the area and carved his initials in the stone, where they may still be seen today. Thomas Jefferson bought the bridge for 20 shillings from King George III in 1774. He then built a cabin for visitors and had a caretaker there. The natural arch spans Cedar Creek and supports US 11. It is a limestone arch 215 feet high. It is 90 feet long and varies from 50 to 150 in width.

The Natural Bridge Wax Museum
Phone: 540-291-2426
Over 125 life-size replicas of historical figures in scenes from the Shenandoah Valley. Included are figures of the American Indian legends and folklore of the area.
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