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!
Self-Guided History Tours
Start: 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: Miami University's Western Campus near Kumler Chapel on Western College Dr.
Located on Miami'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: 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 of 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 print copy of the self-guided walking tour, pick up a brochure outside the door at Enjoy Oxford: 14 W Park Place.
Start: 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.
Start: Uptown High and Main Street with an acknowledgment of the Indigenous Peoples who first lived in this area, and then continue across Oxford and Miami University's campus at locations sharing the history and culture of the Miami Tribe and their relationship with Miami University. (Photo credit Karen Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma)
For a self-guided walking tour, pick up a brochure, complete with directions and photos at Enjoy Oxford: 14 W Park Place or at The Myaamia Center in Bonham House: 351 E Spring St.
Start: Parking lot on the north side of Ernst Nature Theater nearby Peabody Hall.
The Western College for Women Historic District began as a private college in 1855. The historical people and structures featured in this tour are from the time when the college was in operation until 1974 after Miami University purchased the property. Explore the history of this beautiful campus with its original architecture, stone bridges, and the notable figures that played a role in its history.
For a self-guided walking tour, pick up a brochure, complete with directions and photos at Enjoy Oxford: 14 W Park Place.
Historical Locations
4824 Oxford Trenton Road
Located north of State Route 73 you'll discover 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 Saturday-Sunday from 9:00 am-1:00 pm during the months beginning from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Plan a visit to learn more about the rich history of the DeWitt family, their cabin and the surrounding land.
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 pm-5:00 pm, Thursday-Saturday. For more information, please visit the museum’s website.
6924 Brown Road
Visit the Doty Pioneer Farm located next to Hueston Woods golf course for upcoming festivals and events, or take a tour of the house and barn to immerse yourself in the life of a Pioneer.
Visit anytime between 12:00 pm-4:00 pm., Saturday-Sunday. For more information, please visit the Oxford Museum Association website.
Upcoming Events
