Lexington, California, Santa Clara County captures the intrigue of a bygone era, nestled in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Once a thriving settlement, it now whispers stories of the past to those who venture its way. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Santa Clara County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 37.1944° N, 121.9856° W
Elevation: Approximately 630 feet (192 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Established: 1848
Disestablished: 1952
Comments: Lexington was originally established during the California Gold Rush as a stagecoach stop and later became a bustling market town, serving the needs of local loggers and miners. It boasted a post office, a hotel, and several other businesses during its peak.
Remains: The most visible remnants of Lexington today are the Lexington Reservoir and the nearby Lexington Schoolhouse, which stands as a historical landmark. The reservoir, created in 1952, submerged a significant portion of the original town site.
Current Status: Lexington is classified as a ghost town, with most of its structures long gone, submerged or demolished. However, it remains a point of interest for history enthusiasts, hikers, and picnickers who frequent the area around the reservoir.
The railroad ceased operations in March 1940, following major damage by a winter storm and the completion of State Route 17 that same year. When the Lexington Reservoir was created in 1952, both Lexington and Alma were officially abandoned and SR 17 was rerouted to its present location.
The visible ruins under Lexington Reservoir are actually those of Alma, not Lexington; building foundations and original pavements of roads are sometimes visible during droughts.
Remarks: Lexington’s legacy lives on in the region’s history, offering a glimpse into the vibrant life that once thrived in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Its transformation from a bustling town to a serene reservoir area marks the passage of time and the inevitable changes in human settlement and nature’s reclaiming of land.
The nearby unincorporated town of Lexington Hills is a reminder of the former town; it combines several villages in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Lexington Murders was one of the most notable crimes in California during the 19th century. Three men were responsible for the brutal murders of William Peter Renowden and Archibald McIntyre in Lexington, on March 11, 1883.
