Exploring
Oxford's History
Rich History Abounds In Oxford, Ohio!
Historically-significant events, prominent leaders, and political movements that shape our nation's history were birthed right here in Oxford.
Among three historic districts, museums, and even Oxford's only-remaining original log cabin, there are plenty of historical sites to learn from right here in
town!
Enjoy stepping into the past and learning about the roots of Oxford, Ohio. We promise you'll learn something new and have a fun time!
All History Tours
Start the tour at the Bethel A.M.E Church, 14 S. Beech St.
Oxford's self-guided Black History Tour has many stops, some of which are within walking distance of each other. Overall, though, we recommend driving this tour so that you can comfortably travel to each stop on the map. It will take about an hour to complete.
For a self-guided walking tour, pick up a brochure, complete with directions and photos at Enjoy Oxford: 14 W Park Place.
Start the tour here: Parking lot on northwest corner of E High St and Tallawanda Rd.
Oxford's University Historic District is the only district that was comprised almost entirely by residential architecture. This nine-block walking tour covers most of what was originally the University Square. Included in this tour are 33 sites that remind and inform visitors of the significance of the area in the development of the city of Oxford.
For a self-guided walking tour, pick up a brochure, complete with directions and photos at Enjoy Oxford: 14 W Park Place.
Start the tour here: Peabody Hall - 701 Western College Dr.
For a self-guided walking tour, pick up a brochure, complete with directions and photos at Enjoy Oxford: 14 W Park Place.
The tour includes 24 sites with descriptions of each site and biographies of the historical figures associated with many of the sites.
For a self-guided walking tour, pick up a brochure, complete with directions and photos at Enjoy Oxford: 14 W Park Place.
Start the tour here: Oxford Community Arts Center - 10 S College Ave.
The tour covers a 12-block span in the heart of Oxford’s Uptown District. Sites include religious, residential, commercial and recreational areas with buildings that were constructed more than 50 years ago.
For a self-guided walking tour, pick up a brochure, complete with directions and photos at Enjoy Oxford: 14 W Park Place.
Located on Miami University's Western Campus, this digital self-guided walking tour transports you back in time to experience the 1964 Freedom Summer training firsthand. The tour starts at the Freedom Summer Memorial and includes the places where training sessions occurred.
Start the tour here: Parking lot on northwest corner of E High St and Tallawanda Rd.
Oxford’s location was determined in the early 1800s when a site was selected for Ohio’s second public university. To end the squabbling among competing towns and cities, the decision was made to locate Miami University in an almost uninhabited wilderness area that would be given the classic name Oxford.
Historical Locations
DeWitt Log Homestead
4824 Oxford Trenton Road
Located north off of State Route 73 is the DeWitt Log Cabin, the oldest standing log cabin in the Oxford area. Zachariah DeWitt and his family settled in the land and completed the two-story cabin in 1805. The cabin is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is cared for by the Oxford Museum Association.
When Miami trustees were looking for a place to build Miami University and visited the site in 1810, it is said that Zachariah DeWitt recommended the land west of his home, at the crest of the hill. That site is where the university is located today.
The cabin is open Sundays 12:00 - 4:00 p.m... from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Plan a visit to learn more about the rich history of the DeWitt family, their cabin and the surrounding land.
William Holmes McGuffey Museum
401 East Spring Street
Take a step back in history and learn more about William Holmes McGuffey, the author of the McGuffey Eclectic Reader, one of the nation’s most influential schoolbooks used by children after the Civil War. The series was written by McGuffey with the help of his brother, Alexander Hamilton McGuffey. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1966, this museum is one you won’t want to miss!
Visit anytime between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m., Thursday-Saturday. For more information, please visit the museum’s website.