This website is an ongoing "work in progress".
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About Us
Samuel Benton (abt. 1717-1770) was Granville County's representative to the State Assembly in 1761, when he purchased 1000 acres of land and built a plantation home known as "Oxford." In 1764, the Assembly ordered that this area be known as the county seat of Granville and Benton gave one acre of land where the courthouse was to be built. Not until 1811 did the Assembly authorize the county to buy 50 acres around the courthouse from Thomas Littlejohn (1773-1854) and began to lay out the town, selling lots at public auction in 1812, and incorporating the town in 1816.
Bright Tobacco brought business to Oxford. Businessmen positioned themselves to take advantage of this new industry and many merchants, lawyers, and doctors set up shop in town. New schools, churches, literary societies, and two orphanages were formed. By the late 19th century, this thriving local economy resulted in a beautiful brick commercial district which included as many as three banks, general and hardware stores, an opera house, various professional offices, and new types of businesses. An 1830 advertisement stated: "The village of Oxford, in Granville County, present inducements, whether health, comfort, or pleasure equal to any in the state. It is decidedly the most beautiful village in North Carolina." |
Considered a small city in north central rural North Carolina, Oxford maintains that "small town feel". People are friendly, life is slow and easy, and history abounds.
With over 200 historical properties located in the downtown area, Oxford's two historic districts claim a variety of styles of architecture in an exceptionally walkable area -- Main Street Historic District is located south of the business district, while College Street Historic District spans College Street, heading north. |
Be sure to observe the oldest building still in operation as a school in North Carolina (C. G. Credle School), tour the Masonic Home for Children and their museum (located in the Cobb Center), and ask to see the 1960's school room museum (located at City Hall). Also at City Hall, you will find a mural depicting Oxford's history, painted by a former resident of the community, Nick Bragg as well as a local artist exhibit (second floor hallway).
Like any other small town in the south, Oxford is full of stories that denote a rich heritage. A small museum located in the old jail behind the court house gives much information about Granville County. Many people search for their family genealogies in our North Carolina room located in Richard H. Thornton Library on the corner of Main and Spring Streets. |