Located primarily in the southernmost regions of Calhoun County with portions in Talladega and Cleburne Counties, Oxford was established on February 7, 1852, by an act of state legislation. Oxford, originally referred to as Lick Skillet, was settled in the 1830s by the Snow and Simmons families. The economy of Oxford for many decades was primarily based on self-sustaining agriculture and trade. During the post-Civil War era, Oxford boomed as a cotton training destination, which assisted in the economic prosperity of cotton production in the 1880s. In the 20th century, Oxford prospered as a cotton manufacturing town with the establishment of Blue Springs Cotton Mill. The business district thrived with numerous drug, dry goods, and mercantile stores. Oxford Lake was the hub of recreation for the county, featuring a dance hall, bowling alley, trolley lines, and boat rides. The people of Oxford deeply believed in family values, education, and faith.