History

Lexington is the county seat of Lafayette County Missouri. The population was 4,726 at the 2010 census. Located in western Missouri, Lexington lies approximately 40 miles east of Kansas City and is part of the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Lexington is the home of the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site and formerly the Wentworth Military Academy and College, the oldest military school west of the Mississippi River opened in 1880.

Lexington, Missouri, located on the bluffs of the Missouri River, was platted in 1822, near William Jack's Ferry, which had been established three years earlier on the south bank of the river. It was named in commemoration of the Battle of Lexington. The first ferry was established in 1819 by Lexington's founder, Gilead Rupe. In 1823, Lexington became the county seat of Lafayette County and grew quickly.

Lexington was also noted for its architecture, especially in its public buildings. The Greek Revival Lafayette County Courthouse, built in 1847 on Main Street, is the oldest courthouse in continuous use west of the Mississippi. The Masonic College, also built in the Greek revival style, operated from 1847 to 1857 and after the Civil War, it housed the Central College for Women. The Gothic Revival Christ Episcopal Church, built in 1848, has an interior finished in walnut and a ceiling ornamented with a Gothic truss arch. Lexington is still home to over 150 homes and public buildings built before the Civil War and holds tours of its historic homes and buildings.

Lexington was the site of the largest battle in the western campaign of the American Civil War. The battlefield on the bluffs of the Missouri River is now a state park where the trenches in the battlefield are still visible today. Experience the historic Anderson House that was utilized as a hospital and seized by both sides in the battle known as the Battle of the Hemp Bales. Historian-led tours and a thriving museum of pristine artifacts and stories make this a must-see national heritage destination.

Community Profile

Today, Lexington is a vibrant, eclectic community that both treasures its history and welcomes newcomers and the future with open arms. 

Lexington is just 15 minutes from I-70 and 1 hour 15 minutes from Kansas City International Airport. The city offers access to Missouri Highways 13 and 24, rail service, and the Missouri River, making it a strategic location for business, logistics, and tourism. Key local assets include Lafayette Regional Health Center, the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site, Lexington R-V School District with a Technical Center and a growing mix of aging residents and young families.

Historic Roots

Battle of Lexington State Historic Site

Antebellum Homes

Santa Fe Trail

Madonna of the Trails Memorial 

Museums

Saluda Memorial

Lafayette County Courthouse

Trail of Tears Memorial

Veterans Memorial

War Memorial 

Lafayette Regional Health Center

Health Care Collision of Rural MO (HCC)

Margaret Gray Senior Center

4 Life Center

Lexington R-V School District

Lex-La Ray Technical Center

Lexington News newspaper

Name brand established businesses

Local business and industry, retail and service businesses

Media outlet (newspaper)

Strong Chamber of Commerce

KCADC & Pioneer Trails membership

Growing infrastructure

Potential for expansion

Major highway access (Hwys 24, 224 & 13; two entrances at East side and West side)

Rural living with urban opportunities

Strong and active volunteer base

Strong spiritual community

Resident friendly parks and recreation system

River access

Rail access

Community profile and personality- our strengths

Rural living with urban opportunities

Friendliness

The place to live a good life

Know your neighbors

Have a sense of security

Easy to get involved

Variety of options for involvement

Strong and active volunteer base

Kid-friendly community

Things to see and do

Expanding infrastructure