Oxford is a city in northern Mississippi, USA. It covers 10 sq mi (25.8 sq km) and has a population of 12,000 people (2011 estimate). It is the county seat of Lafayette County, and was named after the city of Oxford in England.

The Lyceum, Oxford, MississippiThe Lyceum, Oxford, Mississippi
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Author: Enjoybeta
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Oxford is located to the west of the Mississippi Delta, about a hundred miles from Memphis, Tennessee.

The history of Oxford follows that of the University of Mississippi, which was founded in 1848. Located in the South, the university remained segregated until 1962. That year, it gained national attention when university officials along with the governor tried to prevent an African American from being admitted to the university.

Ventress Hall, University of Mississippi, OxfordVentress Hall, University of Mississippi, Oxford
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Despite the aggravation and insults hurled at him by the white residents of Oxford, Meredith began his studies in the fall of 1962, and graduated in August 1963 with a degree in history. He recounted his experience in the book Three Years in Mississippi.

Visiting Oxford

Mississippi highway 6 passes east-west through Oxford while highway 7 passes north-south through it.

Places of Interest in Oxford

  1. Historic Oxford Courthouse
    Restored courthouse rebuilt after it was burned by federal troops in 1864.

  2. Rowan Oak
    Home of famous novelist and Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner.

  3. The Lyceum
    Main building of the University of Mississippi campus, site of rioting during the integration of James Meredith into the university.

  4. University Museum
    Museum with a fine collection of artifacts including Greek and Roman antiques and 19th century scientific instruments.

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