Oxford was established as a town by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1839 as the birthplace of Oxford College of Emory University and incorporated as a city in 1914.[4][5] The town was named after Oxford University, the alma mater of the founders of Oxford College.[6] The entire town is also designated as a shrine of the United Methodist Church. Additionally, Confederate soldiers are buried in a small cemetery on the grounds of Oxford College.
Properties in Oxford listed on the National Register of Historic Places include the Oxford Historic District and the Orna Villa, a mansion, which was built in 1825, which was used as a hospital during the American Civil War.
The Dukes of Hazzard filmed a car-jump scene on the grounds of the college, and other scenes around the town.[7]