The New International Encyclopædia/Lexington (Virginia)

LEXINGTON. A town and the county-seat of Rockbridge County, Va., about 45 miles northwest of Lynchburg; on the north fork of the James River, and on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad and a branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (Map: Virginia, E 4). It has picturesque surroundings, and is the centre of a fertile agricultural region. There are some manufactures. The town is the seat of Washington and Lee University (q.v.), and of the Virginia Military Institute, founded in 1839. Among objects of special interest are the statues of Generals Lee and Jackson, whose graves are also here. The famous Natural Bridge (q.v.) is 14 miles south, and in the opposite direction are several mineral springs which have become popular resorts. Lexington owns and operates its water-works. Population, in 1890, 3059; in 1900, 3203.