Oxford in New Haven County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Oxford
Photographed By Michael Herrick, May 30, 2009
1. Oxford Marker
Inscription.
Oxford. . Originally part of Derby, Oxford was settled by people pushing inland from Derby, Stratford, and New Haven. Land was acquired in five purchases from the Paugussett and Pootatuck Indians. The first grant of settlement appears in Derby records of 1678. Bounds were set with Mattatuck, now Waterbury, in 1680. In 1741 the “Oxford district” was made a parish but did not become a separate town until 1798. Oxford long remained rural with grist and saw mills, wool growing, and coastal commerce via Derby and New Haven until the embargo of 1807. Many small farm industries flourished into mid-century, when the railroad in the Naugatuck Valley caused sweeping changes. With dwindling population, Oxford turned to poultry and dairy farming, which later declined as new highways provided better access to employment in neighboring towns. The airport, opened in 1969, with adjacent industrial areas, began a new chapter in the economic development of Oxford.
Originally part of Derby, Oxford was settled by people pushing inland from Derby, Stratford, and New Haven. Land was acquired in five purchases from the Paugussett and Pootatuck Indians. The first grant of settlement appears in Derby records of 1678. Bounds were set with Mattatuck, now Waterbury, in 1680. In 1741 the “Oxford district” was made a parish but did not become a separate town until 1798. Oxford long remained rural with grist and saw mills, wool growing, and coastal commerce via Derby and New Haven until the embargo of 1807. Many small farm industries flourished into mid-century, when the railroad in the Naugatuck Valley caused sweeping changes. With dwindling population, Oxford turned to poultry and dairy farming, which later declined as new highways provided better access to employment in neighboring towns. The airport, opened in 1969, with adjacent industrial areas, began a new chapter in the economic development of Oxford.
Erected 1978 by the Town of Oxford, the Oxford Historical Society, Inc., and the Connecticut Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1678.
Location. 41° 26.299′ N, 73° 7.27′
Click or scan to see this page online
W. Marker is in Oxford, Connecticut, in New Haven County. Marker is on Oxford Road (Connecticut Route 67) half a mile north of Academy Road, on the right when traveling north. Located in front of Oxford Town Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 486 Oxford Rd, Oxford CT 06478, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2009, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 1,305 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 30, 2009, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
