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 3^rd 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.