Jump to content

Lexington, Texas

Coordinates: 30°24′50″N 97°0′31″W / 30.41389°N 97.00861°W / 30.41389; -97.00861
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lexington, Texas
Town
Lexington City Hall
Lexington City Hall
Location of Lexington, Texas
Location of Lexington, Texas
Coordinates: 30°24′50″N 97°0′31″W / 30.41389°N 97.00861°W / 30.41389; -97.00861
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountyLee
Area
[1]
 • Total
1.24 sq mi (3.21 km2)
 • Land1.24 sq mi (3.21 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
[2]
459 ft (140 m)
Population
 (2020)[3]
 • Total
1,217
 • Density984.69/sq mi (380.12/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
78947
Area code979
FIPS code48-42532[4]
GNIS feature ID2412893[2]
Websitecityoflexingtontx.com

Lexington is a city in Lee County, Texas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,217.[3] It is located at 30°25′09″N 97°00′42″W (30.4191° N, 97.0117° W). It is the oldest town in Lee County, founded in 1850, and plays a significant role in the county's history and economic landscape.

Located approximately 50 miles (80 km) east of Austin and 125 miles (201 km) northwest of Houston, Lexington maintains its rural character while benefiting from proximity to major urban centers. The town is situated in the eastern part of Lee County, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 77 and Farm to Market Road 696.

Lexington's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with cattle trading and crop production being key activities. The town hosts a weekly cattle auction every Saturday, which has been a longstanding tradition. While cotton was historically important, corn has now become the leading cash crop. Lexington is also home to the only flower farm in Lee County.

In recent years, Lexington has gained recognition for its barbecue. Snow's BBQ, open only on Saturdays, has been voted the best barbecue in Texas by Texas Monthly magazine, attracting food enthusiasts from across the state and beyond.

The town's historical significance is preserved through sites like the Lexington Log Cabins and Heritage Center, which showcases the area's pioneer history. Despite losing its status as county seat to Giddings in 1874, Lexington continues to be an important part of Lee County's cultural and economic fabric, blending its historical roots with modern rural life.

History

[edit]

Lexington's first post office was called String Prairie in 1848, named for the surrounding prairie. The first postmaster was veteran and legislator, James Shaw. In 1850, residents changed the name of the settlement to Lexington to honor the location of the first battle of the American Revolution.[5][6]

Geography

[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.2 square miles (3.1 km2), all land.

Lexington is situated in the Gulf Coastal Plains region of Texas, characterized by rolling to hilly terrain covered with pine and hardwood forests.[7] The area's topography is influenced by its location in the Blackland Belt, a strip of land stretching from the Rio Grande to the Red River, known for its rich, easily cultivated soil.[7]

Terrain and Elevation

[edit]

The terrain around Lexington is gently rolling, typical of the eastern part of Lee County. Elevations in the county range from slightly less than 230 feet at the confluence of Yegua and Cedar Creeks in the southeast to slightly more than 775 feet in the Yegua Knobs area 12 miles west-southwest of Lexington.[8]

Waterways

[edit]

Several creeks and streams flow through the Lexington area, forming part of the Brazos River drainage basin.[8] The principal waterways include:

East Yegua and Yegua Creeks partially form the county line between Lee and Burleson Counties, while Cedar Creek separates southeastern Lee County from Washington County.[8]

Climate

[edit]

Lexington experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa), characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. The area receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 36 inches, decreasing from southeast to northwest across Lee County.[8]

Surrounding Area

[edit]

Lexington is part of the post-oak belt, locally known as the "Texas Hill Country," despite its geographical location on ranch land. The surrounding area is primarily agricultural, with a mix of farmland and cattle ranches.[9] The region's geology is influenced by the Mexia-Talco fault system, which trends northeastward across the county and affects the underlying aquifer structures.[8]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1870157—
188017914.0%
1920600—
1930519−13.5%
19405312.3%
195060313.6%
196071117.9%
19707191.1%
19801,06548.1%
1990953−10.5%
20001,17823.6%
20101,177−0.1%
20201,2173.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
1850–1900[11] 1910[12]
1920[13] 1930[14] 1940[15]
1950[16] 1960[17] 1970[18]
1980[19] 1990[20] 2000[21]
2010[22]
Lexington racial composition as of 2020[23]
(NH = Non-Hispanic)[a]
Race Number Percentage
White (NH) 834 68.53%
Black or African American (NH) 110 9.04%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) 8 0.66%
Asian (NH) 1 0.08%
Some Other Race (NH) 1 0.08%
Mixed/multiracial (NH) 83 6.82%
Hispanic or Latino 180 14.79%
Total 1,217

As of the 2020 United States census, 1,217 people, 492 households, and 367 families were residing in the town.

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 1,178 people, 460 households, and 311 families residing in the town. The population density was 992.4 inhabitants per square mile (383.2/km2). The 540 housing units had an average density of 454.9 per square mile (175.6/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 79.88% White, 10.87% African American, 1.10% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 7.05% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 9.42% of the population.

Of the 460 households, 38.7% had children under 18 living with them, 50.9% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.2% were not families. About 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.56, and the average family size was 3.16.

In the town, the age distribution was 32.6% under 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 18.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.2 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 84.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $31,023, and the for a family was $37,917. Males had a median income of $32,083 versus $19,886 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,765. About 11.1% of families and 15.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.0% of those under age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.

Calvin Trillin of The New Yorker said that while Lexington is not geographically in the Texas Hill Country, as it is located on ranch land, it "ethnically is." A politician from Lee County told Paul Burka of Texas Monthly that the voting scenario in the area is "the Germans against the Czechs, and the Americans are the swing vote."[26]

Local economy

[edit]

The most common employment sectors for Lexington residents are construction (98 people), public administration (69 people), and health care & social assistance (68 people).[27] The employment rate in Lexington is high, at 98.27%.[28] The average commute time for Lexington residents is 44.5 minutes, with most people driving alone to work.[27] Some of the top employers in the broader region include Walmart, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Garney Construction, and Epcor.[29]

The Lexington Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has implemented several initiatives to support local businesses and promote economic growth in Lexington, Texas:

Business Support Programs

[edit]

The EDC offers various programs to assist local businesses:

  • Business Retention and Enhancement Incentive: This program supports existing business growth, expansion, and improvements. It may include assistance for bringing properties up to code, performing significant interior or exterior capital improvements, and providing skills training or certification for new and existing employees.[30]
  • Façade and Exterior Improvement Incentive: This initiative helps businesses enhance their exterior appearance through improvements such as signage, paint, lighting, awnings, and masonry work, with special consideration for historic preservation.[30]
  • Enterprise/Start-Up Incentive: This program is designed to support new businesses and developments in Lexington.[30]

Community Development Initiatives

[edit]

The EDC also focuses on broader community development efforts:

  • Quality of Life Incentive: This program supports projects that improve the community's quality of life, including parks, sports facilities, and tourism and entertainment venues.[30]
  • Non-Profit/Community Services Incentive: This initiative provides support for projects that offer new or expanded business enterprise or development opportunities for non-profit organizations.[30]

Economic Growth Strategies

[edit]

The EDC employs various strategies to promote economic growth in Lexington:

  • Business Recruitment: The corporation works to attract new job-creating enterprises to Lexington.[31]
  • Expansion Assistance: The EDC helps existing businesses in the community with their expansion programs.[31]
  • Area Marketing: The department develops, manages, and markets the surrounding area, which offers scenic acreage for potential development.[31]

Collaboration and Partnerships

[edit]

The Lexington EDC maintains strong ties with various stakeholders to facilitate economic development:

  • Collaborates with the City of Lexington, utility suppliers, and the commercial/industrial real estate community.[31]
  • Partners with workforce training providers and financial institutions.[31]
  • Works closely with the local Chamber of Commerce to promote business activities.[31]

Notable local businesses

[edit]

Lexington, Texas, despite its small size, is home to several notable local businesses that contribute to the town's character and economy:

Snow's BBQ

[edit]

Snow's BBQ is arguably the most famous business in Lexington.[32] It has gained significant recognition:

  • Voted the best BBQ in the State of Texas by Texas Monthly Magazine
  • Open only on Saturdays from 8:00 AM until sold out
  • Offers a variety of BBQ meats including brisket, pork steak, spare ribs, chicken, and sausage
  • Provides online ordering and shipping options for customers who can't visit in person

Local Retail and Services

[edit]

While specific information is limited, Lexington has a variety of local businesses serving the community:

  • Herk's Store & Grill: A popular local establishment offering both retail and dining services[33][34]
  • Dowdy House: Another notable local business[33]
  • Circle B Mercantile: A local mercantile store[33]
  • CEFCO: A convenience store serving the area[33]
  • Dollar General Store: Providing general merchandise to the community[33]

Financial Institutions

[edit]

Lexington is home to two financial institutions, which play a crucial role in supporting the local economy.[35]

Other Notable Mentions

[edit]
  • The town has 41 businesses within its trade area[35]
  • There's an active Chamber of Commerce that supports and promotes local businesses[36]
  • Lexington has a rural health clinic, providing essential medical services to the community[35]

Transportation infrastructure

[edit]

Lexington, Texas has a limited transportation infrastructure typical of a small rural town.

Public Transit

[edit]

The Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) provides some public transportation services in Lexington:

  • National Intercity service connecting Lexington to other areas
  • Community Transit service offering curb-to-curb transportation for disabled individuals and others needing special assistance throughout Central Texas
  • A route connecting Lexington to Giddings

School Transportation

[edit]

Lexington Independent School District (LISD) operates a transportation department to serve K-12 students in the area.

Road Infrastructure

[edit]

While specific details about Lexington's road infrastructure are limited, as a small rural town it likely relies primarily on local roads and highways:

  • FM 1560 is a road in the region, though not specifically in Lexington

Future Projects

[edit]

The city is working on some infrastructure improvements:

  • A GLO Drainage Improvements project is currently in the design phase

Regional Context

[edit]

While not directly in Lexington, there are some transportation developments in the broader region that may affect the town:

  • The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is working on various highway expansion and improvement projects in nearby areas
  • There are ongoing efforts to improve rural transportation options in Central Texas

Culture and recreation

[edit]

Lexington, Texas, despite its small size, boasts a rich cultural heritage and several notable traditions, events, and landmarks that reflect its history and community spirit:

Cultural Landmarks

[edit]

Lexington Log Cabins and Heritage Center

[edit]
  • This center is a significant cultural landmark in Lexington:
  • Located in downtown Lexington at 524 Fourth Street
  • Features two restored log cabins and a corncrib from circa 1850
  • Offers prearranged tours with guides in period clothing
  • Demonstrates pioneer crafts and showcases authentic furnishings and artifacts
  • Highlights the region's history of farming, open-range ranching, and interactions with Tonkawa Indians[37]

Local Traditions and Events

[edit]

While specific information about Lexington's events is limited, the town maintains an active community calendar:

  • The city emphasizes the importance of keeping residents informed about local happenings and scheduled events
  • Community members are encouraged to contribute information about upcoming events[38]

Historical Significance

[edit]

Lexington's history is closely tied to early Texas settlement:

  • The area was instrumental in the lives of early pioneers in the region
  • The Heritage Center serves as a non-profit educational association
  • Its mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of northern Lee County[37]

Community Spirit

[edit]

Lexington prides itself on offering a wholesome and fulfilled lifestyle:

  • The community combines agriculture, industry, history, civic activities, and recreation
  • It's described as an ideal place to raise a family and grow a business[39]

Arts and culture

[edit]

On Saturdays, farmers and ranchers come into Lexington from areas around the town. A cattle auction takes place at 12:30 pm each Saturday.[26] In addition to the many ranches, Lexington is also home to the only flower farm in Lee County (6G Heritage Farm) at the historic original townsite of Nalley, which is no longer a town today.[40]

Education

[edit]

Lexington, Texas has a small but comprehensive school system that serves its community.

Lexington Independent School District (ISD)

[edit]

Lexington ISD is the primary school district serving the area.[41] As of the 2021-2022 school year:

  • Total student enrollment: 1,093
  • Accountability rating: A
  • Four-year graduation rate: 95.3%
  • Average teacher experience: 12.2 years

Schools

[edit]

Lexington ISD operates three campuses:

  1. Lexington High School
  2. Lexington Middle School
  3. Lexington Elementary School

Lexington High School

[edit]
  • Enrollment: 344 students (grades 9-12)[42]
  • Accountability rating: B
  • Student-teacher ratio: 11 to 1
  • Four-year graduation rate: 95.3%

Student Demographics

[edit]

The student population in Lexington ISD is diverse:

  • White: 71%
  • Hispanic: 20.3%
  • African American: 4.3%
  • Two or more races: 3.9%
  • Other: 0.5%

Educational Programs

[edit]

Lexington ISD offers a variety of educational programs:

1. Career and Technical Education (CTE)

  • Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources
  • Business, Management & Administration
  • Manufacturing
  • Information Technology
  • Health Science
  • Law, Public Safety

2. Special Programs

  • Dyslexia support
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Gifted & Talented
  • Homeless student support
  • Migrant services
  • Early Childhood programs

3. Advanced Placement (AP) courses

  • 20.8% of 11th and 12th-grade students participate in AP programs

4. Bilingual/ESL: 4.7% of students enrolled

5. Special Education: 13.3% of students enrolled

College Readiness

[edit]

For the 2020-2021 graduating class:

  • Average SAT score: 958
  • Average ACT score: 17.2
  • College-ready in Reading: 61.3%
  • College-ready in Math: 48%
  • College-ready in both Reading and Math: 45.3%

Notable people

[edit]
  • Lyn Collins, soul singer
  • Earl Cooper, former NFL player, two-time Super Bowl champion
  • James Shaw, first postmaster of Lexington (when it was called String Prairie), war veteran and legislator

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.[24][25]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Lexington, Texas
  3. ^ a b "Total Population: 2010 Census DEC Summary File 1 (P1), Lexington town, Texas". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  4. ^ a b "U.S. Census website".
  5. ^ Vance, Ruby Nettles. "Lexington, TX". Handbook of Texas. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
  6. ^ Hazlewood, Claudia. "Shaw, James (1808–1879)". Handbook of Texas. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
  7. ^ a b Association (TSHA), Texas State Historical. "Physical Regions". Texas Almanac. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Texas Water Development Board. "Ground-Water Resources of Lee County, Texas."" (PDF).
  9. ^ Association (TSHA), Texas State Historical. "Lexington". Texas Almanac. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  10. ^ "Decennial Census by Decade". United States Census Bureau.
  11. ^ "1900 Census of Population - Population of Texas By Counties And Minor Civil Divisions" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  12. ^ "1910 Census of Population - Supplement for Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  13. ^ "1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  14. ^ "1930 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  15. ^ "1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  16. ^ "1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  17. ^ "1960 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  18. ^ "1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  19. ^ "1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  20. ^ "1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  21. ^ "2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  22. ^ "2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Texas" (PDF). United States Census Bureau.
  23. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  24. ^ https://www.census.gov/ [not specific enough to verify]
  25. ^ "About the Hispanic Population and its Origin". www.census.gov. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  26. ^ a b Trillin, Calvin. November 24, 2008. "By Meat Alone." The New Yorker. Retrieved 2010-03-30.
  27. ^ a b "Lexington, TX | Data USA". datausa.io. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  28. ^ "Lexington Employment Rate".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  29. ^ "Jobs in Lexington, TX".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  30. ^ a b c d e "Incentives". Gonzales Economic Development Corporation. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  31. ^ a b c d e f "DOING BUSINESS". LexingtonTXEDC. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  32. ^ "Snows BBQ – Voted Best BBQ in Texas by Texas Monthly Magazine". Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  33. ^ a b c d e "Yelp Businesses in Lexington Texas".
  34. ^ "Yelp Local Stores Lexington Texas".
  35. ^ a b c "DOING BUSINESS". LexingtonTXEDC. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  36. ^ "Chamber of Commerce | City of Lexington Texas". cityoflexingtontx.com. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  37. ^ a b "Lexington Log Cabins and Heritage Center". Texas Time Travel. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  38. ^ "Calendar of Events | City of Lexington Texas". cityoflexingtontx.com. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  39. ^ "City of Lexington Projects | City of Lexington Texas". cityoflexingtontx.com. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  40. ^ Handbook of Texas
  41. ^ "Lexington ISD". Texas Public Schools. December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  42. ^ "Lexington High School". Texas Public Schools. December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexington,_Texas&oldid=1265388359"