There Are 3 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Oxford, Ohio
By Katie Feldkamp|Published January 23, 2023
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Katie Feldkamp
Author
Katie Feldkamp has lived in Ohio her entire life. Katie attended Miami University, where she began as a journalism major but completed her time there with degrees in both accounting and organizational leadership. She loves traveling to both new places and those she’s been to throughout the years. Whether it’s a road trip to a relaxing beach or hiking through a national park, her favorite thing is to share these places with her husband and three busy kids. When she’s at home in the Midwest, Katie enjoys writing for OnlyInYourState, reading a good book, a hot cup of coffee, and planning her next adventure.
Driving along the streets of Oxford, Ohio, you’re bound to notice a plethora of historic brick buildings. Most of the red brick architecture is part of Miami University, a public university established in 1809. While some of the historic buildings within Oxford are well-known among students and visitors, there are also several other historic landmarks you don’t want to miss during your time in this charming town.
Just outside of Miami University’s main campus sits the DeWitt Log Home. Before the university even existed, Zachariah DeWitt built his log house in 1805. The two-story log cabin is the oldest remaining structure in the town of Oxford. It is presently maintained by the Oxford Museum Association and visitors are welcome to explore the home and its homestead. For a unique way to learn about the cabin, try and plan a visit when you can experience the living history of the site through first-person interpretations provided by interns. For additional information to plan your visit, check out the Oxford Museum Association.
Nestled in the heart of Miami University’s campus is the 1833 home of William Holmes McGuffey. The home was built while McGuffey was a faculty member of the university, and it is within these walls that he began to write the McGuffey Readers. This series of books, later known as the McGuffey Eclectic Readers, went on to sell over 120 million copies and become some of the most significant material in children’s education. The McGuffey Museum is a step back in time where you can see artifacts that relate to McGuffey’s life and the history of the Readers such as the octagonal table where he began writing the books as well as the lectern he used when teaching at the university. Plan your visit with the help of the museum's website.
Another unique architectural gem in Oxford is Kumler Chapel. The chapel was built in 1917 in what was then Miami’s Western College for Women. The "Transitional Gothic" stone structure features arched windows, each of significance that you’ll want to take the time to learn about and admire. Kumler Chapel, with its peaceful interior, was originally built for church services, but now you are just as likely to attend a wedding or ceremony for Miami’s numerous student organizations. If you're interested in visiting Kumler Chapel, visit Miami University's website for more information.
Whether it is due to Miami University or the town itself, you are sure to leave charmed by your time in Oxford.
Experiencing some of Oxford’s history within these landmarks is sure to add another layer of enjoyment to your visit. We would love to know if you have been to any of these places!
