Lafayette: History, Culture and Nature

Lafayette brings together different chapters of regional history, museums, art and outdoor experiences. The county’s history includes Chickasaw heritage, the history of slavery and the 20th-century Civil Rights Movement. When planning your trip, it’s worth considering these subjects as more than just a timeline: Oxford tells the story of public history and culture, while Sardis Lake offers more ways to enjoy the outdoors.

History in Oxford and Lafayette County

A map of Lafayette County from 1835 shows the Memphis to Cotton Gin Port Road. It was part of the route from Mobile to Memphis known as the “long trail.” The county is also connected to the history of an important railway route on the way to Vicksburg: soldiers from the North and South were present there between different conflicts. These different transportation routes offer a glimpse into the region’s historical context.

A prominent building in Oxford is the Lafayette County Courthouse. Built in 1871, the three-story Italianate-style building has been in continuous use ever since. The Oxford Courthouse Square Historic District represents 150 years of commerce, local government and religious institutions. The courthouse and its square were rebuilt after their destruction during the Civil War. William Faulkner later immortalized them in literature: the fictional Yoknapatawpha County and the town of Jefferson were modeled on Lafayette County and Oxford.

Another event in the history of the Civil Rights Movement is also connected to Oxford: in 1962, James Meredith challenged racial segregation when he was admitted to the University of Mississippi. Those interested in this history can consider it as part of the county’s broader historical picture, alongside the earlier traces on the 1835 map and the history of its public buildings.

Oxford: Squares, Art and Everyday Culture

Since Oxford’s incorporation in 1837, The Square has been the city’s cultural and economic center. Restaurants, shops and elegant boutiques shape its offerings, including the South’s oldest department store. Founded in 1979, Square Books hosts more than 150 author events each year. Literature and commerce are therefore as much a part of the square’s history as the buildings of the Historic District.

The art scene takes other forms, too. The Oxford Artists’ Guild holds a spring and a fall show each year on Oxford Square, both featuring musicians and activities for children. The Oxford Treehouse Gallery in Lafayette County grew from a blacksmith shop founded in 2002 into a painting studio and gallery. Oxford’s culinary character also reflects a range of influences: Cajun cuisine, Memphis-style barbecue, Southern classics and internationally inspired menus all sit side by side.

Another historic building is College Hill Presbyterian Church. Built around 1844 in the Greek Revival style, it was added to the National Register on November 13, 1979. Its architecture offers another way to explore the county’s architectural history, without limiting your view to just one century.

Museum, Rowan Oak and Trails Through the Landscape

The University of Mississippi Museum and Historic Houses was founded in Oxford in 1939 as the Mary Buie Museum. Its permanent exhibitions include ancient artifacts, American art, folk paintings from Mississippi and 19th-century scientific instruments. Changing exhibitions complement selected works from the permanent collections with loans from artists, collectors and institutions. The museum also offers educational programs for all ages, including hands-on learning experiences, workshops and tours; individual programs and dates may change.

For public visits, the University Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. William Faulkner acquired Rowan Oak in 1930 and lived there until his death in 1962. The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. As opening hours, maintenance schedules and access conditions may change, check the details before your visit.

The Bailey Woods Trail connects Rowan Oak with the University Museum. Designated a National Recreation Trail, the route is about 3,000 feet long and takes approximately 20 minutes to walk.

Sardis Lake stretches across more than 98,000 acres in Lafayette County and the neighboring counties of Panola and Marshall. Possible activities include camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, birdwatching and hiking. The lake also has boat ramps, fishing areas, restrooms, beaches and picnic shelters. If you’d rather explore the outdoors on two wheels, the Clear Creek Mountain Bike Trail near Oxford is open to the public, measures 13 miles long and consists of three interconnected loops.

When choosing a hotel location, you can start by weighing the priorities of your trip: historic buildings, museums and culture in Oxford, or activities around Sardis Lake. This helps you tailor your search to the experiences that matter for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Oxford, Clay, Kemper County, Pontotoc County, Webster County, George County, Lee, Yazoo County.

View the main travel guide: Mississippi.