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A Look Back
Photograph courtesy of University Museums, University of Mississippi	Chickasaw Indians once inhabited this area now known as Lafayette County. In 1835, three businessmen built a log cabin and opened a general store atop a hill that was destined to become the Square. Hoping the town would be selected as the location for the state's first public institution for higher learning, an early resident named the town Oxford after the city in England that housed the British University. Eleven years later, in 1848, the University of Mississippi opened in Oxford.

Old South Charm, New South Sophistication
William Faulkner, one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century, immortalized the vivid characters that walked Oxford's streets, managed it's stores, and lived in its historic homes in his chronicles of Yoknapatawpha. Recognized throughout the world as a birthplace of literary genius, residents enjoy their own special blend of Oxford. It may be the arts, an education at the University of Mississippi, SEC sports, entertainment at one of the town's fine dining spots, a stroll around the historical Courthouse Square, or perhaps a chance encounter with one of the best-selling authors who call Oxford home that makes Oxonians proud to live here.USA Today described Oxford as "a thriving New South Arts mecca," and Fortune magazine named Oxford as one of the "Top 20 Places in
the World to Retire." Once you experience the unique blend of charm and sophistication, you'll understand why we say, "...you'll always come back."

Public and Private Schools

Lafayette County has two public school systems - the Oxford School District and the Lafayette County School District with a combined enrollment of 5,100 students, kindergarten through twelfth grade. Both educational districts are members of the prestigious Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Children also have the option of attending Oxford University School, a private institution, for grades pre-kindergarten through eight.

Higher Education

The University of Mississippi is an integral part of the Oxford community. The University of Mississippi offers complete programs for both undergraduate and advanced degrees in seven major schools of study: Liberal Arts, Engineering, Law, Education, Pharmacy, Business Administration, and Accountancy. Founded in 1848, Ole Miss has become one of the South's most respected universities. Nearby Northwest Community College offers classes to over 1,000 students in the North Mississippi and Oxford areas. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has more than 40 different academic, vocational, and technical programs.

Housing
	This quaint garden town offers a variety of housing styles. Grand antebellum and historic homes complement and influence even the newest developments. The median value of homes purchased in Oxford and Lafayette County in 1998 was $110,000. Newcomers are pleasantly surprised to find that even resort golf course living is available. A beautifully manicured golf community has sites available for residential homes and golf villas nestled among the fairways of its 450 acres. The Economic Development Foundation offers a Retirement tour. Azalea Gardens
is an upscale residential community which provides skilled nursing care to its residents. Oxford is also home to Hermitage Gardens, another upscale residential community, which also offers a residential nursing facility for people with Alzheimer's disease.

Recreation

In addition to sporting events at the University of Mississippi, residents and visitors enjoy local high school and Park Commission events. For less structured play, visit one of Oxfords three public parks. Two 18-hole golf courses and one 9-hole private golf course are havens for golf lovers. Sardis Lake, a 98,500 acre state park, borders Oxford to the northwest and provides many opportunities for fishing, camping, and outdoor sports.

Health care
	Oxford is a regional health care center. Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi serves the area; thus attracting many doctors and other health care professionals. BMH-NM has more than 70 physicians representing more than 30 specialty areas. Baptist Memorial Hospital's services include a comprehensive cardiac care unit, a sleep disorders center, medical oncology, neurosurgery, pulmonology, and a Women's
Pavilion. The health care community features complete dental, chiropractic, and optometry care, as well as a variety of home health agencies and private duty nursing. Oxford also offers several fitness centers, spas, and massage therapists.

Climate and Shopping
Located in the rolling hills of North Mississippi, Oxonians enjoy four mild seasons. Expect a profusion of spring flowers as early as late February with autumn leaves usually peaking in late October. Though light snow fall may be expected, Oxford has relatively mild winters. Oxfords charming downtown square and modern mall offer unique shopping experiences - the best of both worlds.

Spiritual Life and Culture
	More than 100 congregations representing more than 40 churches sponsor such programs as Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and The Pantry. Recognized as the cultural center of North Mississippi, the cultural opportunities in Oxford are exceptional. Live entertainment is available nightly at any one of the local venues and the University Artists Series regularly sponsors major presentations from renowned classical performers.
The University Museums house permanent displays of Greek artifacts and 19th Century art, while the privately owned Southside Gallery on the Oxford Square is a showplace for local and national artists. The Ole Miss Library collection includes the Blues Archive and personal album collection of B.B. King, and in the Mississippi Collection the works of writers William Faulkner, John Grisham, and Eudora Welty can be found. Speaking of writers, each year two international conferences are held in Oxford. The Faulkner Conference draws attendees from around the globe, and the Oxford Conference for the Book attracts some of America's most successful writers. Rowan Oak, the home where Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner wrote many of his masterpieces, remains today as it was during his lifetime. The Center for the Study of Southern Culture is a teaching and research center dedicated to the study of the South. Housed in the antebellum Barnard Observatory, at Ole Miss, the Center's areas of study include music, science, politics, folk life, literature, and art.

Government and Crime

The City of Oxford is governed by a Mayor and Board of Aldermen, while the County is represented by a Board of Supervisors. The federal government maintains a significant presence in Oxford with 15 government agencies including US Marshals, the US District Court for Northern Mississippi, and the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Division of US Treasury. Crime statistics for the area are quite comforting with FBI statistics showing Oxford as having one of the states lowest crime rates.