Although upwards of 150 settlers arrived in Furnas County in 1872, settlement of Oxford did not really materialize until the coming of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

“The arrival of the first train as it crossed the Harlan County line into Oxford was greeted with a large crowd of onlookers on February 17, 1880." (Laura Cowan, Four Score and Seven Years)

The hardships of the past have shaped a community committed to success, a community who pushes forward in spite of conflicts or difficult challenges. Oxford was left stronger and more resilient with each disaster and survives today . . . a strong progressive community.