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OXFORD MARYLAND

Oxford Maryland History

Oxford is one of the oldest towns in Maryland and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Although already in existence for perhaps 20 years, Oxford marks the year 1683 as its official founding, for in that year Oxford was first named by the Maryland General Assembly as a seaport and was laid out as a town. In 1694, Oxford and a new town called Anne Arundel (now Annapolis) were selected the only ports of entry for the entire Maryland province. Until the American Revolution, Oxford enjoyed prominence as an international shipping center surrounded by wealthy tobacco plantations.

Early citizens included Robert Morris, Sr., agent for a Liverpool shipping firm who greatly influenced the town’s growth; his son Robert Morris, Jr., known as “the financier of the Revolution;” Jeremiah Banning, sea captain, war hero, and statesman; The Reverend Thomas Bacon, Anglican clergyman who wrote the first compilation of the laws of Maryland; Matthew Tilghman, known as the “patriarch of Maryland” and “father of statehood” and Colonel Tench Tilghman, aide-de-camp to George Washington and the man who carried the message of Cornwallis’ surrender to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

The American Revolution marked the end of Oxford’s glory. Gone were the British ships with their variety of imported goods, and tobacco was replaced by wheat as a cash crop. Businesses went bankrupt, cattle grazed in the streets, and the population dwindled. After the Civil War, Oxford emerged from its “long slumber” to nearly 100 years of a new prosperity signaled by completion of the railroad in 1871 and improved methods of canning and packing which opened national markets for oysters from the Chesapeake’s bountiful beds. Business was booming, houses were going up everywhere, and tourists and boaters were arriving in droves. But it was not to last.

In the early part of the 20th century, the oyster beds played out, the packing houses closed, other businesses went bankrupt, and the railway and steamships eventually disappeared. Oxford became a sleepy little town inhabited mainly by watermen who still worked the waters of the Tred Avon.

Oxford today is still a waterman’s town, but is enjoying a new resurgence based on tourism and leisure activities. Its quiet charm, fresh air, summer breezes, and clean water provide a haven from the hustle and bustle of city life for boaters, weekend visitors, and summer residents.

Premier biking / walking trails

The Oxford / St. Michaels Bike Trail is recognized as one of the best in the mid-Atlantic region.

The route includes the historic town of Oxford, the crossroads of Royal Oak with its antique stores and post office (where you will find a cannon ball that lodged in a nearby oak tree during the War of 1812), and our stunning sister town of St. Michaels with its many shops and restaurants!

Local Airports

The location of our unique town affords travelers from all over access to our breathtaking water views, amazing food, family fun and boating paradise.  Centrally located, commercial and private jet travelers can get to Oxford Maryland quickly and easily.

  • Easton/Newnam Field (about 11 miles; Easton, MD)
  • Cambridge-Dorchester (about 15 miles; Cambridge, MD)
  • Kentmorr Airpark (about 21 miles; Stevensville, MD)
  • Salisbury Regional Airport (about 54 miles; Salisbury, MD)
  • Baltimore-Washington International (BWI)  (about 67 miles; Linthicum, MD)
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (about 85 miles; Washington, DC)
  • Dulles International Airport (about 108 miles; Dulles, VA)

DIRECTIONS TO OXFORD MARYLAND & PARKING

DRIVING: From 95 South, take 896 to Rt.301 South. Remain on 301 for about (45 – 60 minutes). From 301 take 213 to Rt. 50 East. Remain on Rt. 50, following the signs to the Town of Easton. You will pass the airport on the right. About a quarter of a mile past the airport, take a right on Rt.322, the Easton By-Pass. At the fifth traffic light, take a right turn onto Rt.333, Oxford Road. Remain on Rt. 333 approximately 10 miles.

Electric Car? No problem, Oxford has 2 free charging stations, one behind the Robert Morris Inn and one by the tennis courts.

PARKING: Public parking is available in Oxford at the East end of the Strand by the Tred Avon River. You can also launch your Kayak, Canoe, or Watercraft from this lot. There is additional public parking available at the Ferry Dock at the corner of Morris St and the Strand. Please be mindful of the Ferry Employee Parking spots. There is also a Kayak launch area on the left of the Ferry Dock.

The Oxford Business Association…

was founded in 1993 and works to promote the town of Oxford and to provide a positive business environment for its members to achieve cultural, civic, economic, and business goals and to contribute to the prosperity and vitality of the Oxford community. We hope the website enables you to get familiar with the shops, services, resources, restaurants, lodging and events that combine to create a welcoming experience! If you are a business, take a moment to read about the many benefits to membership that ultimately grow friendships and loyal customers.

MEMBER BENEFITS

JOIN THE OBA

Officials Include:

  • Liza Ledford, President
  • Phyllis Rambo, Administrator
  • Jan Mroczek, Treasurer

Executive Committee:

  • Liza Ledford
  • Jan Mroczek
  • Judy Bixler
  • Julie Wells
  • Ian Fleming
Oxford Maryland Tourism

Check out this student video!

Video Submitted By: Mia Twomey, film student at Baylor University

Drone video of Oxford!

Video  By: Talbot Economic Development and Tourism