Lexington, NC

Davidson County courthouse located in Lexington, NC

Lexington, North Carolina is the county seat of Davidson County, NC. And as of the 2000 census the city had a total population of 19,953. The Lexington area was at least sparsely settled by Europeans in 1775 and those settlers named their community Lexington in honor of Lexington, MA. Lexington was incorporated as a city in 1828. Until the late 1990s, Lexington’s economy was mainly textile and furniture manufacturing-based. Since then, most local manufacturers have moved their production facilities to Asia and Mexico as a way to reduce costs and remain competitive in a global market. This caused the closure of most textile and furniture factories and has contributed to economic difficulties for a community that was heavily dependent on these two industries for employment.

Lexington has many attractions and is notable for being the home of artist and designer Bob Timberlake’s gallery and Childress Vineyard’s owned by NASCAR owner Richard Childress. Lexington is also adjacent to High Rock Lake, the second largest lake in North Carolina and frequently plays host to a number of fishing tournaments, including the Bassmaster Classic. The Lexington Barbeque Festival is held each October and attracts up to 150,000 visitors from all over the United States.