Local Businesses in Oxford, MS

Oxford, Mississippi Facts:

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County: Lafayette
Coverage Area (Total): 10 sq. miles
Elevation: 505 ft.
Population: 18,916
Cities/Towns covered in local Names and Numbers Phone Book: Abbeville, Batesville, Courtland, Oxford, Paris, Pope, Sardis, Taylor, Water Valley

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Oxford History

Oxford was founded in 1837 by pioneers John Chisom, John Craig, and John Martin. The community was formed from lands ceded by the Chickasaw nation in the Treaty of Pontotoc Creek in 1832. The name "Oxford" was given as a means to promote the settlement as a center of learning. In 1841, state legislature selected Oxford as the site of the state university, and in 1848, the University of Mississippi opened its doors for the first time.

Known affectionately as "Ole Miss," UM established the 4th state-supported law school in the country in 1854. In that same year, it also became one of the first in the nation to offer courses in engineering. In 1882, Ole Miss was one of the first college's in the South to admit women, and the first to hire a female faculty member (1885).