By 1861, when it was incorporated as a town, Lexington boasted a diverse population of lawyers, physicians, tradespeople, artisans and farmers. There were then 2 churches, several schools, a carriage factory, a saw and gristmill, a tannery, livestock yard, tin and blacksmiths, and a weekly newspaper.
In 1865 the town was virtually destroyed by occupying Union Army forces guarding General Sherman's western flank. The courthouse, county jail and St. Stephen's Lutheran Church were put to the torch as were most businesses and homes. The devastation and political turmoil of the period were weathered, however, by a frugal people willing to rebuild for a future without abandoning the ideals of their heritage.
Currently nestled in the Midlands of South Carolina, the Town of Lexington is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the state, having grown from approximately 9,800 citizens in 2000 to 17,870 in 2010, with the expectation to hit near 25,000 residents by 2020.
Lexington is fortunate to have an outstanding school system, internationally accredited public safety, along with beautiful amenities such as our local parks system - whether you walk the trail at Virginia Hylton Park, stroll through Lexington Square Park, pay tribute to our military at the Veterans Monument or dance the night away during a concert at our newly opened Icehouse Amphitheater, named the 2017 Municipal Association of South Carolina Achievement Award Winner.
We encourage visitors to stroll through downtown Main St. and engage in our past at the Lexington County Museum. We are also the proud home of Lake Murray, with 500 miles of shoreline; it is a great place to participate in recreational water sports.
From past to present, it is easy to see why the Town of Lexington is the place where people want to live, work, play and learn! “
