Important Historical Dates
January, 1871
Oxford Town and Emigration Company laid out the city of Oxford
March 1, 1871
The first store in the town, and as Oxford was the first town in the county to be settled, it was a pioneer store of Sumner County.
1871
First public building in Sumner County to sell land to the settlers.
April 5, 1871
Neptawah (later changed to Oxford) Post Office opened. Closed June 23, 1871.
May 1871
Sawmill started by T.R. Donley and J.T. McMillan.
June 22, 1871
The Oxford Times was the first newspaper published in Sumner County.
October 7, 1871
First school district established south and west of the Arkansas River.
November 14, 1872
First railroad project, Independence, Colorado, Arizona and Pacific Line meeting was held in Oxford, but no action was taken until 1878.
1874
Oxford Mill was established.
October 10, 1879
Oxford was Incorporated as a 3rd class city. The population was 263.
October 27, 1879
Oxford Post Office reopened.
1879
Santa Fe Railroad came into Oxford, Cowley, Sumner & Ft Smith Railroad was a branch of the Santa Fe Railroad.
1880
Southern Kansas Western Railroad was completed to Oxford.
1887
Missouri Pacific was built after the Santa Fe and removed after the big flood in the late 40’s.
August 1909
First telephone switchboard.
1911
Midland Valley was established in Oxford. Removed in 1969.