Welcome to
Historic Downtown Oxford!

About us...

Settled in the 1830s and incorporated in 1852, Oxford is located in the southernmost region of Calhoun County and parts of Talladega and Cleburne Counties with a population over 21,000 residents. In 2014, Oxford was one of three cities in Alabama selected to become a designated Main Street community. Since then, we have been working diligently to make downtown the hive of activity it once was. The mission of Historic Main Street Oxford is to bring prosperity and vitality back to our historic downtown to celebrate our past while keeping an eye on the future. We have welcomed a total of 17 new businesses, successfully implemented a façade improvement grant program, and won eight Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence. We truly believe that investing in our downtown supports local businesses and entrepreneurs, creates jobs for our residents, preserves one-of-a-kind buildings, and creates local conveniences and additional choices for shopping and entertainment. Historic Downtown Oxford, the heart and core of the city- has recently undergone a streetscape transformation into an inviting, pedestrian-friendly destination, estimated at a cost of $3 million. This project was a part of the ongoing investment toward the revitalization and preservation of our city's oldest neighborhood. The project included new sidewalks lined with brick pavers, underground utilities, landscaping, and lightning that captures the historic aesthetic, character, and charm of downtown. Historic Downtown Oxford offers a unique experience for everyone. ​

  • First class performing arts center that accommodates 1,130 guests
  • Locally owned and operated coffee shop
  • Variety of interior design and specialty shops
  • Professional services including a chiropractor, dry cleaner, counseling, and law offices
  • A Southern home-cooking restaurant also locally owned and operated
  • Three art galleries, two of which are located at the Oxford Performing Arts Center- Martin-Lett Gallery of Art & Wren’s Nest at OPAC (Home gallery of Larry K. Martin)
  • Three historic churches- Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian
  • Walking distance to four historic homes located on the Alabama Register of Landmark's and Heritage and the National Register of Historic Places ​ 

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