Out away from Lexington's central business district are several other clusters of shops and restaurants. Lexington, settled by Europeans since the 1750s, has its share of history as well. Lexington was picked as the seat of Davidson County government in 1824. Perhaps the most imposing building downtown is the Old Davidson County Courthouse, which is now home to the county's historical museum. The classical revival building was finished in 1858 and then damaged by fire after the Civil War.
Historical markers ring the square where the old courthouse stands.
Six miles northeast of Lexington is the North Carolina Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. It recognizes 1,607 Tar Heels who were killed or listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War. Lexington is also home to Bob Timberlake, perhaps the state's most famous living landscape painter. Timberlake has his studio here, part of a large gallery and museum complex. In good Lexington fashion, he also designs furniture.