Oxford’s Not Just for Faulkner
Best known as the home of author John Grisham and more notably, William Faulkner, Oxford is also home to the University of Mississippi and many other remarkable sites.
Oxford began as a general store on a hill in 1835 when three businessmen purchased the land from Chickasaw Indians. It was suggested the new town, incorporated in 1837, be called “Oxford” after the city in England in hopes that Mississippi would pick it for the state’s first public university.
In 1848 the University of Mississippi, better known as Ole Miss to locals, opened, but its male student body soon went to war as “the University Greys.” In 1864 Oxford was nearly completely burned to the ground when General A.J. Smith set fire to the Courthouse, most of the town Square, and many residences.
The town recovered and rebuilt, but gained national attention in 1962 because of riots sparked by the admission of James Meredith, a black student, to Ole Miss.
Oxford has since come a long way; a town of nearly 13,000 people, it prides itself on small town charm while maintaining progressive growth. The town Square is excellently preserved and houses many restaurants and boutiques. It is also home of a nationally recognized bookstore where many local authors visit weekly for signings and readings of their work. In addition, you can also find one of the South’s oldest operating department stores.
Oxford is a literary town and is a town that is proud of its heritage. Each year the Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference brings lecturers and literature aficionados from around the world to celebrate William Faulkner’s legacy. The town was also recently selected to be the location of the National Book Award nominations ceremony is October.
Faulkner fans who visit Oxford flock to Rowan Oak, Faulkner’s home that is now owned by the University of Mississippi and recently underwent renovations. It’s opened everyday, but Monday for tours. However, even on Mondays, tourists can walk the grounds and a trail that connects the property to the University Museums.
Visitors to the University of Mississippi remark on its beauty, especially during the fall and spring seasons. Home to the Ole Miss Rebels, thousands travel to Oxford each year during football season for tailgating in the Grove and exciting SEC games.
Ole Miss also boasts an impressive collection of blues recordings and memorabilia in the Ole Miss Blues Archive, one of the world’s largest. In addition, the University Museums offer interesting collections of Greek and Roman antiques and Southern folk art.
Oxford has lots to offer and tourist; from multitudes of shops and restaurants to annual events. Places to stay aren’t in short supply either. Many choices present themselves in Oxford. From locally owned motels with charms of their own to well known chains to cozy inns laced with local hospitality, Oxford just about has what you need for an excellent trip.
