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One of the oldest towns in Talbot County is Oxford (founded 1683) which gained its prominence in colonial days by being mandated in 1694 by Maryland legislation as the first and only port-of-entry on the Eastern Shore. Oxford was a booming port for about 75 years with ships from England purchasing tobacco from nearby plantations. For a short period of time, the town was named Williamstadt under the reign of Dutch King William III of England. Robert Morris, Sr. arrived from Liverpool in 1738 and became a notable figure in Oxford with his business acumen. He was instrumental in establishing an inspection law on tobacco and changing the method of accounting from quantity of product to money. The main street in town is named Morris Street and a portion of the Robert Morris Inn served as his home until his death in 1750. In the past 300 years, Oxford's economy has peaked and waned, resulting in a mercurial population. The economy began to wane in the 1770s and didn't come alive again until the mid-1800s. At this time, construction of two churches began, the Oxford Military Academy opened, the railroad terminus for the Maryland & Delaware Railroad was built, two banks were erected and the first brick sidewalks were laid. Boat building soared in the late 1800s and two steamboat wharves linked the rail and boat services. After enjoying a favorable economy for half a century, the town slowed down again in the early 1900s. As Oxford and the nation faced World War II, the only booming business there was boat building. Many of the younger men and women left Oxford during this period to seek work in wartime industries. In spite of the economic ups and downs of the town, it has maintained a charming personality and an attractive sense of neighborhood. Today, Oxford is a quaint town of about 700 residents. Among the historical sites one can enjoy are houses dating to the late 1600s, the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry which originally began in 1683, and an exact replica of the Oxford Customs House built by Jeremiah Banning in the late 18th century. The Oxford Museum offers other historical facts and objects relating to the town. Back to.....Easton  St. Michaels      OR     0n to........    Tilgman Island    Wye Mills ________________________________________________________________________

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