Introduction to Oxford, North Carolina
Oxford, North Carolina is 27 miles NE of Durham, North Carolina (center to center) and 37 miles N of Raleigh, Carolina. It is located in Granville county.
Oxford History
Many Native Indian tribes, including the Tuscaroras, have inhabited this region. Attracted by the rich land and well-watered wood, settlers from Virginia arrived in 1711. In 1761, local legislator Samuel Benton established a plantaion home and named it "Oxford." The area around this plantation became the county seat of Granville County. The community acquired the name of Benton's plantation, and the city of Oxford was incorporated in 1816. St. John's College, established in 1858, eventually became the United States' first Masonic orphanage. The world's second largest zipper manufacturer, IDEAL Fastener Corporation, is headquartered in Oxford. The city is also home to organizations like Revlon, Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions, and Certainteed.
Oxford and Nearby Attractions
- North Carolina Museum of Life and Science
- Duke Homestead State Historic Site
- Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
- Granville County Museum
- J.C. Raulston Arboretum
Things To Do In Oxford
Granville County Museum, located in Oxford features rotating exhibits reflecting the region's science, art, history, and culture. North Carolina Museum of Life and Science is also nearby. Duke Homestead State Historic Site, which was the farmhouse of Washington Duke and his son James Buchanan Duke, is a place of historic interest in the area. The Dukes founded a tobacco factory which later became the American Tobacco Company. Visitors can enjoy boating, camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, and picnicking at the Kerr Lake State Recreation Area. J.C. Raulston Arboretum is another popular place to visit.
Oxford Transportation
Raleigh - Durham International Airport is the closest major airport.
Oxford Higher Education
Colleges near Oxford are Vance - Granville Community College, Durham Technical Community College, Duke University, and North Carolina Central University.