Oxford, Mississippi, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Oxford, Mississippi, has been recognized as one of the best college towns in the United States, celebrated for its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and as the home of the University of Mississippi. The town boasts iconic attractions such as The Lyceum and Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, and offers a vibrant community atmosphere that enhances its charm. As a hub for education and tourism, Oxford garners attention for its historical significance, artistic contributions, and the academic excellence of its residents.
Oxford, Mississippi, has garnered recognition as one of the top 25 best college towns in the United States for 2025, according to a recent report highlighting destinations that showcase rich history, culture, and Southern charm. As home to the University of Mississippi, often referred to as Ole Miss, the town has received accolades for its historical significance, vibrant community, and an array of attractions that draw locals and visitors alike.
Oxford is marked by its stunning campus, featuring iconic landmarks such as The Lyceum-The Circle Historic District and Rowan Oak, the historic home of esteemed author William Faulkner. This beautiful university campus is designated as one of the most attractive in the nation, noted for its 19th-century Greek Revival architecture.
The city is also recognized for its electric atmosphere during college football season, particularly at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the largest stadium in Mississippi, where passionate fans rally to support the Ole Miss Rebels. The Historic Downtown Square serves as a bustling hub since its founding in 1837, home to an array of shops, art galleries, and the South’s oldest department store, further enhancing Oxford’s cultural landscape.
Beyond Oxford, other Mississippi college towns have also been acknowledged for their charm. Starkville, home to Mississippi State University, is celebrated for a warm, welcoming ambiance and cultural attractions such as the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library. The Cullis and Gladys Wade Clock Museum in Starkville showcases an extensive collection of over 400 historical timepieces. Additionally, the revitalized Cotton District merges historic architecture with modern livability.
Cleveland, which hosts Delta State University, offers unique attractions like the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and the Martin & Sue King Railroad Museum. Hattiesburg, home to both The University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University, features attractions including the Hattiesburg Zoo and the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum. Columbus provides outdoor enthusiasts with recreational opportunities at Columbus Lake and Lake Lowndes State Park.
Clinton, home to Mississippi College, boasts attractions such as the Wyatt Waters Gallery and the Clinton Community Nature Center. These enriching offerings make the surrounding college towns attractive destinations for education, commerce, and tourism. Oxford stands out, however, as it was recently named one of the most charming small towns in America and acknowledged by travel publications for its affordability, captivating history, and vibrant cultural scene.
The town has a population of approximately 27,000 and is ideally located between Clarksdale and Tupelo, just south of Memphis. Oxford has established a strong commitment to education, with the highest concentration of jobs found in education, instruction, and library occupations. The Oxford School District has demonstrated academic excellence, with 58 percent of students proficient in mathematics and 53 percent in reading.
As a university classified as an “R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity” by the Carnegie Foundation, Ole Miss enhances Oxford’s educational prominence. Established in the early 1800s, Oxford became incorporated in 1837 and chartered the University of Mississippi in 1844. Its rich history includes crucial events in American history, such as Civil War history and the desegregation efforts marked by James H. Meredith’s enrollment at Ole Miss in 1962.
Due to its literary heritage, Oxford is often dubbed the literary capital of the South, boasting numerous bookstores, particularly the famous Square Books. Visitors flock to explore various cultural and historical sites that cement the city as a desirable getaway destination for those interested in Southern culture and education.
FAQ
What factors contribute to Oxford being named one of the best college towns?
Oxford is celebrated for its significant historical and cultural contributions, vibrant community life, stunning university campus, and array of recreational offerings, contributing to its recognition as a top college town.
What attractions can visitors find in Oxford?
Visitors can explore iconic sites such as The Lyceum-The Circle Historic District, Rowan Oak, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, and the Historic Downtown Square, which features shops and art galleries.
What educational institutions are present in Oxford?
Oxford is home to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), which is classified as an “R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity” by the Carnegie Foundation.
What is the historical significance of Oxford?
Founded in the early 1800s, Oxford has witnessed significant historical events such as the Civil War and desegregation led by James H. Meredith’s enrollment at Ole Miss in 1962, making it a noteworthy location in American history.
Key Features Comparison of Mississippi College Towns
| College Town | University | Main Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford | University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) | The Lyceum, Rowan Oak, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium |
| Starkville | Mississippi State University | Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, Cullis and Gladys Wade Clock Museum |
| Cleveland | Delta State University | GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, Martin & Sue King Railroad Museum |
| Hattiesburg | University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University | Hattiesburg Zoo, Mississippi Armed Forces Museum |
| Clinton | Mississippi College | Wyatt Waters Gallery, Clinton Community Nature Center |
| Columbus | None | Columbus Lake, Lake Lowndes State Park |
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Additional Resources
- World Atlas: Most Beautiful College Towns in Mississippi
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi College Town Recognized
- Lonely Planet: Best College Towns for a Weekend Getaway
- The Travel: Oxford – Smartest City in the South
- Clarion Ledger: The Square in Oxford Voted Best Public Place
- Wikipedia: Oxford, Mississippi
- Google Search: College Towns in Mississippi
- Google Scholar: Oxford Mississippi
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Oxford, Mississippi
- Google News: Oxford Mississippi
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
