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Overview
Surrounded by the trappings of history, this small Southern town conjures up many associations, from college football to blues music to literature. Established in the mid 19th century, Oxford fulfilled its founders' hopes as the home of a blossoming university. The University of Mississippi, better known as Ole Miss, opened in 1848, and today boasts over 17,000 students. Campus and community life are closely intertwined in this town, where college football's the number one passion. Each fall, fans tailgate on the Grove, an expansive park on the Ole Miss campus, before heading to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for the main event.
The university is the town's largest employer, and the population of students, faculty and frequently visiting fans keep the rest of the economy afloat by patronizing Oxford's restaurants, bars and retailers. The town square occupied by the historic 19th century courthouse, side walk cafes, fine dining rooms, gift shops and boutiques sits at the heart of the community. Locals and visitors frequently congregate in this inviting and walkable downtown district, and newcomers often feel the warm, friendly embrace of an earlier era.
Town landmarks, such as the courthouse, Confederate Cemetery and the Historic Burns Church help keep the local heritage alive. Home of several great American authors, such as William Faulkner and John Grisham, Oxford has a strong literary presence. Faulkner is buried in Saint Peter's Cemetery, and his stately home, Rowan Oak, is open to the public. Square Books, Oxford's beloved independent bookstore, offers a large section devoted to Southern literature and Mississippi writers, in particular. Its companion store, Off Square Books, frequently hosts well-known authors for lectures and signings. For readers interested in digging a little deeper, the William Faulkner Collection is located in the Archives and Special Collection at the university's library.
In addition to literature and sports, music is a big deal in Oxford. The blues have a long history in the region, and the local arts community is devoted to keeping the tradition alive. The Blues Archive at Ole Miss features a massive collection of live recordings, photos and documents covering a wide range of genres, such as classic blues and Big Band. Meanwhile, the Kenneth Goldstein Folklore Collection examines the influence of African-American culture. Featuring a variety of musical styles, the award-winning Thacker Mountain Radio show draws well-known artists to town every week in the fall and spring, and for a town its size, Oxford attracts an impressive selection of big-name concerts and, in the fall of 2008, even a presidential debate.
Whatever your reason for visiting this picturesque town, you're certain to discover why residents, alumni, and fans love to call Oxford home. From the charm and beauty of the Square's Victorian architecture to the frenetic zeal at SEC sporting events to the flourishing arts scene, Oxford's as irresistible as sweet tea.
The university is the town's largest employer, and the population of students, faculty and frequently visiting fans keep the rest of the economy afloat by patronizing Oxford's restaurants, bars and retailers. The town square occupied by the historic 19th century courthouse, side walk cafes, fine dining rooms, gift shops and boutiques sits at the heart of the community. Locals and visitors frequently congregate in this inviting and walkable downtown district, and newcomers often feel the warm, friendly embrace of an earlier era.
Town landmarks, such as the courthouse, Confederate Cemetery and the Historic Burns Church help keep the local heritage alive. Home of several great American authors, such as William Faulkner and John Grisham, Oxford has a strong literary presence. Faulkner is buried in Saint Peter's Cemetery, and his stately home, Rowan Oak, is open to the public. Square Books, Oxford's beloved independent bookstore, offers a large section devoted to Southern literature and Mississippi writers, in particular. Its companion store, Off Square Books, frequently hosts well-known authors for lectures and signings. For readers interested in digging a little deeper, the William Faulkner Collection is located in the Archives and Special Collection at the university's library.
In addition to literature and sports, music is a big deal in Oxford. The blues have a long history in the region, and the local arts community is devoted to keeping the tradition alive. The Blues Archive at Ole Miss features a massive collection of live recordings, photos and documents covering a wide range of genres, such as classic blues and Big Band. Meanwhile, the Kenneth Goldstein Folklore Collection examines the influence of African-American culture. Featuring a variety of musical styles, the award-winning Thacker Mountain Radio show draws well-known artists to town every week in the fall and spring, and for a town its size, Oxford attracts an impressive selection of big-name concerts and, in the fall of 2008, even a presidential debate.
Whatever your reason for visiting this picturesque town, you're certain to discover why residents, alumni, and fans love to call Oxford home. From the charm and beauty of the Square's Victorian architecture to the frenetic zeal at SEC sporting events to the flourishing arts scene, Oxford's as irresistible as sweet tea.
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