If you've been to Boston you know all about Lexington - Massachusetts. There are many Lexingtons in our nation and most of them have special historical significance. This Lexington is the honing place of generals (and admirals). Two prestigious institutions are here, Washington and Lee University, founded in 1749, and Virginia Military Institute, founded in 1839 as the nation's first, state-supported, military school. There are many tours available in and about Lexington. Check with the Visitors' Bureau for details: 540-463-3777.

Nestled in this valley between the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Mountains, just to the south of cavern country (Endless, Luray and Shenandoah Caverns) and to the north of the Natural Bridge, Blue Ridge Parkway to the east and the I-64 gateway to West Virginia to the west, Lexington is an ideal center for outdoor recreation. Of special interest in Spring is the Goshen Pass (VA-39 northwest from I-64 exit 55) with the continuous array of blooming shrubs and trees against the steep backdrop of Little North Mountain.

Visitors' Center - From I-81 take exit 188-B and follow US-60 (Midland Trail) into Lexington to Lewis Street. Bear right on Lewis and follow it one block to Washington Street. Bear left on Washington and follow it to the Lexington and Rockbridge Area Visitor Center at 106 East Washington Street.
  From I-64 take exit 55 and follow US-11 southbound. As you go over the Maury River Bridge, US-11 splits. Merge to the right and follow US-11 Business to Washington Street. Turn left and follow Washington to the Lexington and Rockbridge Area Visitor Center at 106 East Washington Street.
  For more information, phone 1-540-463-3777.

• George C. Marshall Museum
• Lee Chapel and Museum
• Stonewall Jackson House
• Virginia Military Institute
• Washington & Lee University

Stonewall Jackson House - Restored in 1979 and furnished with many of Jackson's own possessions plus additional period pieces (chosen to match items listed in Jackson's 1863 estate inventory) the Jackson House can be viewed by guided tour. Tours start on the hour and half hour.
  Open Monday-Saturday from 9a to 5p; Sundays 1 to 5p. Closed New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Admission: $5; kids 6 through 17, $2.50.
  The Jackson home at 8 East Washington Street is one block west of the Visitors' Center (see above). There are many signs posted along the route from exit 195 of I-81 and exit 55 of I-65.
  For more information, phone 1-540-463-2552 or view their web site: JacksonHome.

Washington & Lee University - Founded in 1749, Washington and Lee University is a four-year liberal arts college including a highly-respected law school. A gift (of 100 shares of James River Company stock in 1796) by George Washington saved the school from closing in its early, trying days. After the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee became president of the college which was a significant factor in its achieving national stature. After Lee's death in 1870, the University was renamed in recognition of Generals Washington and Lee.
  The U.S. Department of the Interior described Washington & Lee University as, "...one of the most dignified and beautiful college campuses in the nation." (courtesy of W&L University)
  For more information, phone 1-540-463-8400 or visit their web site: WLU.
  From I-64 take exit 55 and follow US-11 southbound. After you cross the Maury River Bridge you will see the US-11 split. Stay to the right and follow US-11 Business to Washington & Lee University. It will will be on your right just past Virginia Military Institute.
  From I-81 take exit 191 and follow I-64 westbound to the first exit (exit 55 - about 1 mile from I-81). Then follow the directions, above, for I-64.

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Lee Chapel and Museum - "The chapel has been an integral part of Washington and Lee's campus since 1868. Concerts, lectures and other University events take place regularly in the 600-seat auditorium on the main level. A state-of-the-art museum is housed in the lower level. General Lee's office, a portrait gallery displaying the Washington-Custis-Lee Collection, an exhibition tracing the history and heritage of Washington and Lee University and a museum shop are also on the lower level."
(courtesy of W&L University)
  Open April 1 through October 31, Monday through Saturday, from 9a to 5p; Sundays 1 to 5p.
  Open November 1 through March 31, Monday through Saturday, from 9a to 4p; Sundays 1 to 4p.
  Closed Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Holiday hours between Christmas and New Year's Day are reduced.
  Admission is FREE.
  To verify opening hours or for more information, phone 1-540-463-8768 - or visit their web site: LeeChapel.
  Follow directions to Washington & Lee University (see above). Continue through the campus and the Lee Chapel parking lot will be on your right (well designated by a sign).

Virginia Military Institute - Founded in 1839, Virginia Military Institute is the oldest, state supported, military college in the U.S.A. Its graduates include many notables including General Stonewall Jackson who was a professor at VMI prior to the Civil War, General George C. Marshall, World War II Army Chief of Staff and author of the Marshall Plan.
  Full dress parades pass in review on the 12-acre parade ground most Friday afternoons during the the fall and spring sessions, - weather permitting.
  For more information, phone 1-540-464-7230 or visit their web site: VMI.
  From I-64 take exit 55 and follow US-11 southbound. After you cross the Maury River Bridge you will see the US-11 split. Stay to the right and follow US-11 Business to downtown Lexington and Letcher Avenue. Turn right on Letcher Avenue and continue to VMI.
  From I-81 take exit 191 and follow I-64 westbound to the first exit (exit 55 - about 1 mile from I-81). Then follow the directions, above, for I-64.

George C. Marshall Museum - As mentioned above, General Marshall was a graduate of VMI. This museum, established in part to honor his many notable achievements, traces his career with special emphasis on World Wars I and II and the Marshall Plan which enabled the post-WW-II successful reconstruction of Europe. Those interested in the history of WW-II in Europe will particularly appreciate the 25-minue electric map outlining the significant events of that war.
  Open daily from 9a to 5p. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days. Admission: $3; kids under 17, FREE.
  For more information, phone 1-540-463-7103 or visit their web site: MarshalMuseum.
  For directions, follow the directions to the VMI campus (see above). As you drive down Letcher Avenue, the museum will be on your left..

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