Bringing the History of Lexington to Life
The Lexington History Project
Lexington, Illinois is a town that’s seen it all. In its almost 200-year history, Lexington and its residents have left their mark on the sweeping central Illinois prairies. Today, the town is full of monuments, landmarks, art, gardens, and buildings from every era of the city’s history. Each one has a story to tell.
The Lexington History Project is a partnership between The FORT Historical and Genealogical Society, the City of Lexington, and local artists/publisher Impeded Stream/Bolt Cutter to help bring the well-documented archives of Lexington’s history to life in new ways.
The Lexington History Project has placed 16 scannable street signs around town at historically significant sites. Scan the codes (or scroll below) to read the stories of people and landmarks that make Lexington, well, Lexington. Lexington History Project articles are written by local writer and poet Nicholas Rynerson, with writing, research, and support by local business owner and historian Elizabeth MacPhail, and extensive research from THE FORT to bring the history of Lexington to life.
Discover Lexington Landmarks
Walk around town, from the parks to Main Street to Memory Lane, to find signs with a QR code linking to a history of each of these iconic Lexington landmarks featuring images and information provided by The Fort Historical and Genealogical Society.
Click through the images below to read the stories of Lexington landmarks and people.
The Neon Sign on 66
Lexington Meetings the World: The Train Depot
The Rise and Decline of Lexington's Gas Stations
Analytical Brewing and a Brief History of Eating & Drinking in Lexington
The Elephant and the Eagle: Kasey Wells and the Industry of Art
Close to Home: The Story of 329 W. Main Street and Lexington's City Hall
The Shake Shack and the Busy Corner of Main & Benson
Uncle Vait's: A Nice, Quiet Joint on the Corner
Patton Cabin: A Window into Illinois' Pioneer Past
The Castle on the West End
Taking It Easy: “The Square” and Other Parks of Lexington
Keeping the Record Straight: 318 West Main Street and THE FORT
Forged in History: A Small Shoppe's Lasting Legacy
Main Street: The Street That Built Lexington
Building and Rebuilding: The History of Lexington Schools
Memory Lane: Lexington’s Past On The Road
Find All the Articles Around Town
Click through the custom Google Map below to find all of the Lexington History Project signs and articles placed around town.
