Settled in the 1820's, Lexington quickly became a booming farming community and river town. Traders, fur trappers and suppliers brought a brisk business to the area, which for a few years made Lexington the westernmost settlement outfitting wagon trains for the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails. Many large, beautiful homes and public buildings were constructed in the 1840s and 1850s, many of which are still standing. The community is pleased to have four districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lexington, proudly displaying their motorized fire trucks in front of City Hall circa 1905. The building stands today, housing administrative offices for Lafayette County. Right: The distinctive "floating dome" remains.

Lexington offers many historic sites. The Battle of Lexington State Historic Site commemorates the 1861 battle and includes the Anderson House, an interpretative museum and a portion of the battlefield.

The 1853 Oliver Anderson Mansion is important not only for its role in the Battle of Lexington, but also because it is a fine example of the large mansion houses that prosperous, slave-holding Southerners were building in Missouri in the 1840's & 50's.

The Lexington Historical Museum was built in 1846 as the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Exhibits feature the Santa Fe Trail, Pony Express, Battle of Lexington and the new Osage Indian exhibits.

The Lafayette County Courthouse, built in 1847-48, is the oldest courthouse in continuous use west of the Mississippi River. A Civil War cannonball embedded in the east column is a well-known symbol of the Battle of Lexington.

The Madonna of the Trail Monument was presented to Lexington by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1928 and dedicated by Harry S. Truman. It is one of only twelve placed across the nation and honors the brave pioneer women who helped settle the West.

Live! In Lexington is in its 6th season of bringing world-class music and entertainment to the greater Lexington area. A mere $70 will purchase a season ticket to 5 (not 4, as in past seasons) shows that will include Blues, New Orleans style Jazz, music from the world stage, Broadway, piano and comedy. Affordable, top-notch entertainment is what Live! In Lexington is all about. For ticket information, donations or the chance to volunteer, you can visit them on the web at www.liveinlexington.org.

The River City Players embody the very best in what small-town community theatre is all about. Established in 1982, they have performed everything from Lion in Winter to Steel Magnolias to The Odd Couple. With several performances a year, there's something here for everyone. Dinner theatre performances available. Information about the River City Players can be found at www.rcplayers.org.