Historic Uptown Lexington
Spend the day in Historic Uptown Lexington, learn about the history of the area and shop in the quaint uptown shops.
Lexington, named in honor of the revolutionary war battle in Massachusetts was settled in 1775 and incorporated in 1828. It is the county seat of Davidson County, named for Revolutionary War General William Lee Davidson.
Uptown Lexington has the largest collection of locally owned businesses in Davidson County with more than 50 retail shops. From specialty gift shops, specialty foods and North Carolina’s largest True Value Hardware store, Lexington has something for everyone!
If you don’t want to shop but would enjoy a nice walk, take the Lexington Walking Tour. Whether you are walking for your health or just enjoyment, we have brochures to guide you along the way.
Davidson County Historical Museum
The Davidson County Historical Museum is located in the Old Courthouse on the square in Historic Uptown Lexington. The Courthouse itself is a historical treasure built in 1858. On the National Register of Historic Places since 1971, the Old Courthouse is regarded as one of the foremost examples of temple form architecture in the Southeastern United States. The museum offers exhibits, programs and other activities that capture the history of Davidson County through local artifacts, photographs and archival materials from growing collections. In addition, the second floor courtroom remains intact as it was when serving the community in its original capacity. Visitors can view the judge’s bench, jury box and prisoner’s holding cage.
Exhibits at the Historical Museum
In the First Floor Gallery, on permanent exhibit, is a diorama entitled “Lexington: The County Seat Comes of Age”. In the Davidson Room and Gift Shop: “An Honor to the County” features a scale model of the courthouse and the town square when the building was initially constructed in 1858. Commemorative items of your trip can be found in the gift shop area.
Articles about past and current exhibits are available on the Museum website.
Complimentary admission
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10am-4 pm
2 South Main Street, Lexington
www.Co.Davidson.nc.us/HistoricalMuseum
336-242-2035
The Confederate Monument
At the turn of the century the courthouse square was used as a camping lot by farmers who came to town in covered wagons. During the 19th century the public well on the southeast quadrant provided water for both people and their livestock. September 14, 1905 the Robert E. Chapter for the Daughters of the Confederacy erected the Confederate monument in the middle of the intersection of Main Street and Center to commemorate Davidson County’s Confederate dead. Forty-five years later it was moved to its present location in order to improve the flow of traffic.
Civil War Trail Markers
North Carolina’s Civil War Trails are the latest link in a series of trails that meander through the states of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina and soon in Tennessee. The markers identify and interpret locations of both great campaigns and lesser-known Civil War sites. There are three markers in Lexington.
Lexington in the Civil War: Occupation and Fire, Davidson County Courthouse, 2 South Main Street, Lexington
Here, the Federalist field command of the 9th Pennsylvania quartered during the summer of 1865. On November 23, 1865, a fire damaged the interior of the courthouse. It was assumed Union troops set the fire, but according to a local resident, many of the troops helped extinguish the fire, saving important county records.
The Homestead: Unexpected Houseguests, 408 South Main Street, Lexington
The Homestead on South Main Street in Lexington was built in 1834 as the home for Dr. W. R. Holt, his wife and family. When the family learned that General Kilpatrick was on the outskirts of Lexington, Dr. Holt left to safeguard his plantation, Linwood. Mrs. Louisa Holt invited General Kilpatrick and his staff to be her houseguests while they were in town, possibly saving her home from destruction.
Pine Grove Camp: Confederate Goverment Seat, Lake Thom-a-Lex, Yokeley Road, Lexington
On the evening of April 16, 1865, a pine grove outside Lexington effectively became the capital for the Confederate States of America and the State of North Carolina when President Jefferson Davis and Governor Zebulon Vance camped along the banks of Abbott’s Creek.
Davidson County Civil War Trail Map & Brochure
Pigs in the City
Historic Uptown Lexington is home to the “Pigs in the City” Art Initiative. As you stroll down the streets you may come in contact with life-size pigs painted and decorated in very unusual ways. You may see pigs decorated for birthdays, a pig that looks like a barrister, pigs standing on all fours and one dressed as a ballerina!
And as you visit shops and attractions in Lexington, don’t be surprised to see pigs there as well.
Be sure to bring your camera – you’ll want photos!
Candy Factory, Conrad & Hinkle Food Market & Lanier’s Hardware
Offering not just shopping but a true experience!
The Candy Factory
In business since 1978 and in the current location since 1979, the Candy Factory not only delights your tastebuds, but you will instantly be drawn to the wonderful aroma of handmade fudge – made right there on-site! An old-fashioned candy store, it is full of all the treats you remember as a kid.
And if candy is not what you are looking for, look around at some of the nostalgic toys and antiques available. I’s like taking a walk down memory lane!
Just look for the red and white striped awning!
Store Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 10am-5:30pm
Friday: 10am-7:30pm
Saturday: 10am-4pm
15 N. Main Street, Lexington
336- 249-6770
www.SweetToothGifts.com
Conrad & Hinkle Food Market
In business since 1919, Conrad & Hinkle is an old-fashioned grocery that provides hand cut meats to order in the meat department, fresh local fruits and vegetables, and homemade delicacies like pimento cheese and chicken salad.
And just like in days gone by – they still make some home deliveries!
Be sure to check out the mural on display on the front window!
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8am-6pm
Saturday 8am-4pm
6 N. Main Street, Lexington
336-248-2341
www.Conrad-Hinkle.com
Lanier Hardware
In 1940, Ardell Lanier purchase a small struggling hardware store from his brother at the age of 20. Today it remains in business and is one of the largest True Value Hardware stores in the southeast.
Whether you need one nut and one bolt or cake decorating supplies, you’ll surely find it at Lanier’s.
Take a walk through the aisles of the store and you will fine all of your hardware needs. Like the Lanier family says, ”If you can’t find it at Lanier’s, then you probably don’t need it!”
Monday-Friday 7:30am-6:30pm
Saturday 7:30-5:30pm
218 South Main Street, Lexington
336-248-5935
www.LanierHardware.com
