Rowan Oak
Perhaps the most famous landmark in Oxford, Rowan Oak was the home of renowned author William Faulkner. Faulkner lived here for over 40 years and wrote many of his iconic works, including As I Lay Dying and The Sound and the Fury. The Greek Revival house is now a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and mind of one of America’s most influential writers. Walking through the home and its grounds feels like stepping back into literary history.
The Burns-Belfry Museum and Multicultural Center
Built in 1910, the Burns-Belfry Church is one of the oldest African-American churches in Oxford. Today, it serves as a museum and multicultural center dedicated to preserving and sharing the African-American experience in Oxford and Lafayette County. The museum showcases the rich history of African-American life, the church’s role in the community, and the Civil Rights Movement. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the diverse cultural history of Oxford.
The Lyceum
Located on the University of Mississippi’s campus, the Lyceum is the oldest building at Ole Miss, completed in 1848. It played a significant role during the Civil Rights Movement when the university was desegregated in 1962. The building is a symbol of both the turbulent history and resilience of Oxford, as it witnessed key moments during the integration of the university. The Lyceum now serves as the administrative center, but its significance to the history of civil rights remains powerful.
Civil Rights Memorial
A statue honoring James Meredith, the man who integrated the University of Mississippi when he entered the campus as the first African American student, was unveiled in 2006. The Memorial also honors all those who fought to give citizens equal educational opportunities in the South.
L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum
This beautifully restored home was once the residence of Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, a key figure in 19th-century American politics. Lamar served as a U.S. senator, Secretary of the Interior, and Supreme Court justice. His home, now a museum, offers insight into his life and the political climate of the Reconstruction Era in Mississippi. Through its exhibits, visitors learn about Lamar’s role in post-Civil War reconciliation efforts and his contributions to both state and national politics.
Courthouse Square Historic District
The historic Lafayette County Courthouse was built in 1872. In the square, you can find late 19th- and 20th-century revival, late Victorian, and Art Deco architectural styles. The buildings range from circa 1866 to 1900.
Historic Oxford Homes
- Cedar Oaks
- Ammadelle (ca. 1859) – Itallianate villa designed by architect Calvert Vaux
- Isom Place (1843) – University of Mississippi’s charter was signed here
- Over 28 historical houses from ca. 1837 to 1932
- Architectural styles include Greek Revival, neoclassical, Queen Anne and more
Historic Churches
Oxford is home to 11 historical churches. College Hill Presbyterian church was constructed in 1846. The Union army of General Sherman used the church as living quarters. William Faulkner and Estelle Oldham Franklin were married at the church in 1929. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church was built in 1860 and is Oxford’s oldest religious structure.
