Note: I didn’t interview anyone for the Seeking Inspirato series in Lexington, but above is a video about my thoughts and reflection during the tour.

“I couldn’t deal with a normal life.”

- Sally Mann, born/raised/lives in Lexington, Virginia

Deep Roots

Lexington, Virginia is perhaps best known for being the resting place of two of the most notorious Confederate leaders, Robert E. Lee (on the Lee Chapel & Museum, Lexington, VA) and Stonewall Jackson (in the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, Lexington, VA).

The small town of 7,000 shows lingering evidence of the Civil War.

I couldn’t walk through the local antique mall without stumbling over a book begging me to read its take on the subject.

Lexington is an intellectual town with two universities as well as a historical backdrop to the Civil War, resulting in a plethora of scholarship.

Though the town of Lexington is only a couple of square miles, the historical roots are deep.

In Lexington, you’ll find,

• Stonewall Jackson’s home,

• The Virginia Military Institute (which was burnt to a crisp by Union troops under Major General D. Hunter),

• Washington & Lee, once known as Washington College (Robert E. Lee was both a benefactor and the university president post-Civil War, hence the name change),

• A statue to Cyrus McCormick, the man given credit for inventing the mechanical reaper in Rockbridge county (though in reality, it happened in large part due to his father and an enslaved man his family-owned named Jo Anderson).

Below: Washington and Lee campus, and more specifically, of the Lee Chapel & Museum where Robert E. Lee is buried.

Below: The Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, where Stonewall Jackson is buried, as well as Jackson’s home in Lexington, Virginia.

Sally Mann, a Lexingtonian

The Lexingtonian I care most deeply about is Sally Mann, a famed American photographer known for capturing Appalachia and its gothic, poor, and raw center.

Lexington is Sally’s birthplace. She was born in Stonewall Jackson’s home (photo above, which was once the town hospital).

So it is for Sally that I’ve made all of the photos back and white, as she only shoots B&W film.

No one speaks better to the beauty of Rockbridge County or Lexington, Virginia than Sally does. I recommend reading her book Hold Still. It’s extremely well written and will have you longing for an escape to the Virginia hills. 

“It’s always been my philosophy to try to make art out of the everyday and ordinary…it never occurred to me to leave home to make art.”

– Sally Mann

Sally’s words are a helpful reminder in a time of pandemic. Art is around you.

Lexington, a Quaint Town in 2020

The vast views of the Virginia hills provide the perfect backdrop for Lexington’s main street.

Everyone waves and says good morning/afternoon/evening––no matter what they’re doing.

The pace of life is nice and slow in Lexington. Residents take their time almost as though they have a plethora of it.

Or as though the definition of a “minute” is subjective. What is a “second” anyway?

Leave time between your appointments in Lexington to accommodate for the loose definition of a “moment”.

Katie, my friend who I stayed with in Lexington, summed it up best in a quick text message:

“Watch out for local flavor, like the postman.”

Here’s some local, Lexington flavor for you.

“I’m so worried that I’m going to perfect [my] technique someday. I have to say its unfortunate how many of my pictures do depend upon some technical error.”

– Sally Mann

Precious Finds

Lexington had a few thrift stores, but most of them weren’t open so I opted for Duke's Lexington Antique Center since I am always on the prowl for old school periodicals, like copies of The Delinator from the 1800s. 

I spent a good hour in the book section of the store and found this 1953 Flair Magazine printed book.

Natural Bridge

Once [incorrectly] advertised as being the 7th wonder of the world, the Natural Bridge is a sight to behold. The natural phenomenon is only 20 minutes outside of Lexington and was certainly worth the visit.

It claims to stand 215 feet high, 55 feet higher than Niagara Falls.

Thomas Jefferson once wrote that it is:

“The most sublime of Nature’s works.”

In fact, he loved it so much he purchased it.

“On July 5 1774 Thomas Jefferson purchased Natural Bridge and 157 surrounding acres from King George III of England for the “sum of 20 showings a good and lawful money.” (about $2.40). Jefferson visited the bridge often, surveyed the area, and even drew a map in his own hand. In 1803, two years after becoming the President of the United States he constructed a two-room cabin on the grounds.”

- taken off the plaque near the bridge.

Below: Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia.