Lafayette: Cultural History, Oxford and Nature Experiences

Lafayette combines moving history, art, landscapes and a vibrant town center with a wide range of opportunities for shared days on holiday. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can make their preferred travel focus the starting point: Culture and town life lead to Oxford, while nature experiences await at Sardis Lake or on the trails around the city.

History and Culture in Oxford

The Lafayette County Digital Museum preserves historical records, images, videos, stories and artifacts for the community of Oxford and Lafayette County. The region’s history includes Chickasaw heritage, the history of slavery and the civil rights struggle of the 20th century. Oxford is particularly significant as the setting for James Meredith’s challenge to racial segregation in 1962 through his enrollment at the University of Mississippi.

The history of transportation and war is also visible. A map of Lafayette County from 1835 shows the Memphis to Cotton Gin Port Road, which formed part of the “long trail” from Mobile to Memphis. Lafayette County was also an important rail route on the way to Vicksburg; between various conflicts, Civil War soldiers from the North and South stayed there.

Historic Buildings, Museums and the Square

The Lafayette County Courthouse in Oxford is a three-story Italianate-style building constructed in 1871 and continuously used ever since. The Oxford Courthouse Square Historic District represents 150 years of commercial history, local government and religious institutions. The courthouse and square were rebuilt after their destruction during the Civil War. William Faulkner later immortalized them in literature; the fictional Yoknapatawpha County and the city of Jefferson served as models for Lafayette County and Oxford.

The Square has been the cultural and economic center of the city since Oxford was incorporated in 1837. Restaurants, shops and elegant boutiques, including the oldest department store in the South, make the town center a versatile destination for a relaxed part of the day. Square Books was founded in 1979 and hosts more than 150 author events every year. The Oxford Artists' Guild, Oxford’s oldest arts organization with currently more than 90 members, holds a spring and an autumn exhibition on Oxford Square every year, featuring musicians and activities for children.

The University of Mississippi Museum and Historic Houses was founded in 1939 as the Mary Buie Museum. Its permanent exhibitions include ancient artifacts, American art, folk paintings from Mississippi and scientific instruments from the 19th century. Temporary exhibitions present selected works from the permanent collections as well as loans from artists, collectors and institutions. Educational programs for all age groups include hands-on learning experiences, workshops and guided tours. Important for planning your day: The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nature, Trails and Water

Rowan Oak commemorates William Faulkner, who acquired the house in 1930 and lived there until his death in 1962. The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Bailey Woods Trail, a National Recreation Trail, connects Rowan Oak with the University Museum via a trail approximately 3,000 feet long that takes about 20 minutes to walk. Those who prefer to travel by bicycle can find the publicly accessible Clear Creek Mountain Bike Trail near Oxford, measuring 13 miles in length and featuring three interconnected loops.

Sardis Lake extends across more than 98,000 acres through Lafayette County and the neighboring counties of Panola and Marshall. Camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, birdwatching and trail walking are possible there. Boat ramps, fishing areas, restrooms, beaches and picnic shelters add to the available options. This creates a clear distinction when choosing your accommodation between a stay focused on the Square, museums and history and a plan in which water, landscapes and outdoor activities take center stage.

Local Character and Further Discoveries

Oxford’s culinary character combines influences from Cajun cuisine, Memphis-style barbecue, Southern classics and internationally inspired menus. The Grove, a 10-acre park shaded by oak trees in the middle of the University of Mississippi campus, offers another distinctive place to take a break. The Double Decker Arts Festival began as a community initiative to support the local arts, food and music scene. The Oxford Treehouse Gallery evolved from a blacksmith shop founded in 2002 into a painting studio and gallery.

For further comparison within the same selection of destinations, you can also consider Scott County, Union County, Warren, Neshoba County, George County, Attala County and Lowndes County.

For the higher-level travel overview: Mississippi.