[5] During the 1800s, Lexington had many taverns, hotels, and grist mills — most of which at one time or another burned to the ground.

In the 19th century, leading members of the community were William Cockley Thad and Martin Kell, Les Griebling, Erwin Castor, Sgt.

These tribes inhabited long houses in permanent villages and cultivated crops such as corn, beans, and squash to complement their diet of hunted meat and foraged berries and herbs.

The Indians demanded Watson's newborn daughter, who was the first white child born in Lexington, as replacement to their own.

It was called "Cook's Tavern" and the first grocery store was built in 1825 by William Damsell.

In 1850 the railroad made its path through Lexington and this contributed to much of the business activity and travel for the settlers.

By 1853 there were over 50 established businesses in Lexington, many of which competed with each other, providing superior products and services to their customers.

In 1958 the village of Lexington donated the gun to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and it can still be found there today.

It was built by James Gass and was host to many runaway slaves traveling along the Underground Railroad.

A farm on Texter Road owned by Samuel McClure was also part of the underground railroad and George Mitchell hid slaves in his home and water-powered mill, located near the intersection of today's routes 97 and 314.

While there is no list of names there was a protracted court case against certain citizens who were charged with helping slaves.

[7] Harry F. Smith is another figure worthy of taking note in Lexington's history.

Smith grew up in Lexington and is responsible for the first outdoor lighting system that was powered by steam in 1894.

After retirement Smith was involved in helping create Lexington's water system and became known as the "Father of the Clear Fork Reservoir".

[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 3.81 square miles (9.87 km2), all land.