The history of the Oxford area begins with the ocean — yes, the ocean. Thousands of years ago, Oxford was covered by ocean water, which once receded became home to a plethora of animals.

Before 1524, the land was inhabited by many Native American tribes, including the Saponi, Tuscarora and Occanechi. By 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh was sending ships to the coast. Settlers noticed the beauty of the coast and the inland as soon as they stepped foot on the rich farming soil.

Its beauty was highlighted by many tall trees, tobacco (a local staple until the tobacco buyout), and animals. In the 1700s, the area of Granville County was a huge piece of real estate. And by 1746, the area had a population sufficiently large to merit becoming an independent county, separating itself from Edgecombe County’s western frontier.

Oxford was incorporated by the General Assembly in 1816, with Thomas Littlejohn, William Sneed, Nathaniel Taylor, Leslie Gilliam, and Thomas Booth named as town commissioners. The town’s early years were marked with plantations and farms.

The area had some of the state’s most successful agriculturists, consistently growing large crops of tobacco, with many using slaves for labor. Oxford grew to be a sophisticated town and was famous as a seat of learning due to the creation of several academies and colleges including Oxford Male & Female Academy (1811), Oxford Female College (1851), Horner Military Academy (1851), St. Johns College (1858), and Mary Potter Academy (1889), the latter being the first secondary school in Granville County to educate African Americans, and the first of all in the county to be accredited by the Southern Association of Secondary Schools (1924).

Tobacco brought business to Oxford. Businessmen positioned themselves to take advantage of the new industry, and many merchants, lawyers and doctors set up shop in town. By the late 19th century, this thriving local economy resulted in a beautiful brick commercial district that included three banks, general and hardware stores, an opera house, various professional offices, and other business ventures.

Two world wars and the Great Depression brought many changes to the area. Even with revenues from tobacco, many left the county for larger cities with more opportunities. Seeing the need to attract new industries, several local business leaders formed organizations in the 1950s and ’60s, and by the 1980s had attracted 38 major manufacturing industries, principally around Oxford and Creedmoor.

Although many changes have occurred since its incorporation, there is a sense of tradition and place throughout Oxford. A visitor once noted, “The village of Oxford, in Granville County, presents inducements, whether health, comfort, or pleasure equal to any in the state. It is decidedly the most beautiful village in North Carolina.”

Mayor Jackie Sergent adds, “As we join Granville County in celebrating its 275th Anniversary, Oxford is now 205 years old. While our beautiful buildings and architecture are to be cherished for both the workmanship and history they imbue, it is the people and personalities that have and continue to populate our city that make up the community that we treasure.

“The history of Oxford is rich and deep, traversing the Civil War and segregation, built upon the agricultural base of the tobacco boom and celebrating faith on almost every street corner.

“We have weathered our share of storms and look forward to the continued evolution of our diverse community as we welcome new visitors, residents, investors and entrepreneurs. We are not only proud to be part of Granville County, but equally so of our partnership with the County Board and staff.

“Oxford salutes our county and all who work so hard in and for it — the future is bright, and we embrace the opportunities ahead to work together to be a shining star in the Piedmont for our residents and those who seek the quality of life we offer.”