Oxford resident T.D. Isom recommended naming the cit y Oxford, after Oxford, England, to try to sway the Mississippi Legislature to make it the home of the state's first public university, the University of Mississippi. This idea became reality in 1848, when the university opened its doors to 80 students and quickly became one the finest public universities.

The Civil War took a huge toll on the Oxford community and the University. In 1864 the Union troops invaded the town and set fire to most of the historical square and many homes. A group of University students, also known as the University Greys, set out to fight in the war. All of these brave students who were not injured or killed before met there demise at the battle of Gettysburg. Oxford made it through this dark period and has flourished ever since. Many people visit Oxford daily to celebrate the city's most famous resident, Nobel Prize author William Faulkner. Faulkner called the town of Oxford his "little postage stamp of earth," and was said to have based of many of his characters on the Oxford folk.

Faulkner is just the beginning of the many reasons why Modern Maturity magazine highlighted Oxford as "One of the 50 Most Alive Places to Live in America." Residents and visitors appreciate the cities exquisite shops, extremely fine dining, exciting SEC sporting events and variety of music and arts.

Oxford has thrived since it was founded in 1836 and will continue for years to come. The residents and visitors of Oxford are filled with the rich history and tradition as they walk the streets of this fine city.