Jump to content

Oxford, Alabama: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 33°35′49″N 85°50′19″W / 33.59694°N 85.83861°W / 33.59694; -85.83861
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Undid revision 1047522437 by 2600:1700:E431:2440:4BD:6B22:1C2D:B6C2 (talk) Removing unsourced content
Tags: Undo Reverted
m →Demographics: duplicate information removed
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile app edit Android app edit App section source
 
(47 intermediate revisions by 32 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|City in Alabama, United States}}
{{short description|City in Alabama, United States}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Oxford
|official_name = Oxford
Line 19: Line 21:
|subdivision_name1 = [[Alabama]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Alabama]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Alabama|Counties]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Alabama|Counties]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Calhoun County, Alabama|Calhoun]], [[Talladega County, Alabama|Talladega]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Calhoun County, Alabama|Calhoun]], [[Talladega County, Alabama|Talladega]], [[Cleburne County, Alabama|Cleburne]]
|government_type =
|government_type =
|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
Line 26: Line 28:
|established_date =
|established_date =
|area_magnitude =
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_km2 = 83.30
|area_total_km2 = 83.36
|area_total_sq_mi = 32.16
|area_total_sq_mi = 32.19
|area_land_km2 = 82.36
|area_land_km2 = 82.42
|area_land_sq_mi = 31.80
|area_land_sq_mi = 31.82
|area_water_km2 = 0.94
|area_water_km2 = 0.94
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.36
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.36
Line 42: Line 44:
|population_metro =
|population_metro =
|population_urban =
|population_urban =
|population_density_km2 = 257.71
|population_density_km2 = 267.76
|population_density_sq_mi = 667.45
|population_density_sq_mi = 693.49
|timezone = [[Central Time Zone|Central]]
|timezone = [[Central Time Zone|Central]]
|utc_offset = -6
|utc_offset = -6
Line 57: Line 59:
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 0160330
|blank1_info = 0160330
|website = {{URL|www.oxfordalabama.org}}
|website = {{URL|www.oxfordal.gov}}
|footnotes =
|footnotes =
|pop_est_as_of = 2019
|pop_est_as_of =
|pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse"/>
|pop_est_footnotes =
|population_est = 21225
|population_est =
|unit_pref = Imperial
|unit_pref = Imperial
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_01.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 29, 2020}}</ref>
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_01.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 29, 2021}}</ref>
|population_footnotes =
}}
}}


'''Oxford''' is a city in [[Calhoun County, Alabama|Calhoun]], [[Talladega County, Alabama|Talladega]], and [[Cleburne County, Alabama|Cleburne]] counties in the [[U.S. state|State]] of [[Alabama]]. The population was 22,069 at the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]],<ref name="Census 2020">{{cite web| url= https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/oxfordcityalabama?</ref>. Oxford is one of two principal cities of and included in the [[Anniston-Oxford Metropolitan Area|Anniston-Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area]], and it is the largest city in Calhoun County by population.
'''Oxford''' is a city in [[Calhoun County, Alabama|Calhoun]], [[Talladega County, Alabama|Talladega]], and [[Cleburne County, Alabama|Cleburne]] counties in the [[U.S. state|State]] of [[Alabama]], United States. The population was 22,069 at the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]],.<ref name="Census 2020">{{cite web| url= https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/oxfordcityalabama?| title= U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Oxford city, Alabama}}</ref> Oxford is one of two principal cities of and included in the [[Anniston-Oxford Metropolitan Area|Anniston-Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area]], and it is the largest city in Calhoun County by population.


==History==
==History==
Founded in the early 1850s, Oxford was the first city in Calhoun County to be incorporated, in 1852.<ref>Alabama Encyclopedia</ref> The name "Oxford" was due to the presence of a narrow crossing of Chocolocco Creek that allowed farmers to ford cattle from one side of the creek to the other. Since 1970, Oxford has annexed large amounts of land to the south and west, including the communities of Coldwater and Bynum. In 1970, it was all in Calhoun County, but today it includes areas in Talladega County and Cleburne County. <ref>Old borders based on Andriot, John L. ''Township Atlas of the United States'' (McLean, Virginia: Andriot Associates, 1979) p. 17</ref>
Founded in the early 1850s, Oxford was the first city in Calhoun County to be incorporated, in 1852.<ref>Alabama Encyclopedia</ref> The name "Oxford" was due to the presence of a narrow crossing of Chocolocco Creek that allowed farmers to ford cattle from one side of the creek to the other. Since 1970, Oxford has annexed large amounts of land to the south and west, including the communities of Coldwater and Bynum. In 1970, it was all in Calhoun County, but today it includes areas in Talladega County and Cleburne County.<ref>Old borders based on Andriot, John L. ''Township Atlas of the United States'' (McLean, Virginia: Andriot Associates, 1979) p. 17</ref>


A smaller municipality, [[Hobson City, Alabama|Hobson City]], was once a part of Oxford. The area, then known as the Mooree Quarter, is one square mile, and is located north and west of Oxford, and south and west of Anniston. The new town became incorporated on August 16, 1899 as Hobson City, taking the name of a naval hero of the Spanish–American War.<ref>Claire M. Wilson, of Auburn University, Alabama Encyclopedia, retrieved 5Dec2014</ref> Another result was the creation of only the second town in the United States (after [[Eatonville, Florida]]) with 100% black government, and an almost 100% black population (at least at first).<ref>The Story of the Progress and Achievements of the Negro in the Art of Self Government, by Ross Blackmon, published in 1947</ref>
A smaller municipality, [[Hobson City, Alabama|Hobson City]], was once a part of Oxford. The area, then known as the Mooree Quarter, is one square mile, and is located north and west of Oxford, and south and west of Anniston. The new town became incorporated on August 16, 1899, as Hobson City, taking the name of a naval hero of the Spanish–American War.<ref>Claire M. Wilson, of Auburn University, Alabama Encyclopedia, retrieved 5Dec2014</ref> Another result was the creation of only the second town in the United States (after [[Eatonville, Florida]]) with 100% black government, and an almost 100% black population (at least at first).<ref>The Story of the Progress and Achievements of the Negro in the Art of Self Government, by Ross Blackmon, published in 1947</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
Line 78: Line 81:
Oxford lies among the foothills at the southern end of the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]]. Nearby [[Cheaha Mountain]] is Alabama's highest point and offers expansive views of the surrounding wilderness and the city below. Much of the city's southern border is shared with the [[Talladega National Forest]].
Oxford lies among the foothills at the southern end of the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]]. Nearby [[Cheaha Mountain]] is Alabama's highest point and offers expansive views of the surrounding wilderness and the city below. Much of the city's southern border is shared with the [[Talladega National Forest]].


Major bodies of water include Oxford Lake, Choccolocco Park Lake, Lake Hillabee, Snow Creek, and Choccolocco Creek, which bisects the city.
Major bodies of water include Oxford Lake, Choccolocco Park Lake, Lake Hillabee, Snow Creek, and the [[Choccolocco Creek]] that bisects the city.


Oxford is located mainly in the southern part of Calhoun County and is located along [[Interstate 20 in Alabama|Interstate 20]], which runs through the southern part of the city, with access from exits 179, 185, 188, and 191. Via I-20, [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]] is 62&nbsp;mi (100&nbsp;km) west, and [[Atlanta]] is 88&nbsp;mi (142&nbsp;km) east. [[U.S. Route 78 in Alabama|U.S. Route 78]] also runs through the city and connects it to Cleburne County, paralleling I-20. [[Alabama State Route 21]] connects the city with the city of [[Talladega, Alabama|Talladega]], which is southwest 21&nbsp;mi (34&nbsp;km).
Oxford is located mainly in the southern part of Calhoun County and is located along [[Interstate 20 in Alabama|Interstate 20]], which runs through the southern part of the city, with access from exits 179, 185, 188, and 191. Via I-20, [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]] is {{convert|62|mi|km|abbr=on}} west, and [[Atlanta]] is {{convert|88|mi|km|abbr=on}} east. [[U.S. Route 78 in Alabama|U.S. Route 78]] also runs through the city and connects it to Cleburne County, paralleling I-20. [[Alabama State Route 21]] connects the city with the city of [[Talladega, Alabama|Talladega]], which is southwest {{convert|21|mi|km|abbr=on}}.

===Climate===
According to the [[Köppen climate classification]], Oxford has a [[humid subtropical climate]] (abbreviated ''Cfa'').

{{Weather box
|location = Oxford, 1991–2020 simulated normals (653 ft elevation)
|collapsed = y
|single line = y
|precipitation colour =green
|Jan precipitation mm =133.88
|Feb precipitation mm =139.26
|Mar precipitation mm =139.60
|Apr precipitation mm =121.33
|May precipitation mm =108.49
|Jun precipitation mm =120.98
|Jul precipitation mm =117.05
|Aug precipitation mm =96.00
|Sep precipitation mm =78.90
|Oct precipitation mm =87.38
|Nov precipitation mm =112.92
|Dec precipitation mm =131.15
|Jan high C = 12.2
|Feb high C = 14.5
|Mar high C = 19.1
|Apr high C = 23.5
|May high C = 27.2
|Jun high C = 30.6
|Jul high C = 32.2
|Aug high C = 31.9
|Sep high C = 29.5
|Oct high C = 24.2
|Nov high C = 18.2
|Dec high C = 13.7
|Jan mean C =6.2
|Feb mean C =8.1
|Mar mean C =12.2
|Apr mean C =16.4
|May mean C =20.8
|Jun mean C =24.7
|Jul mean C =26.5
|Aug mean C =26.1
|Sep mean C =23.3
|Oct mean C =17.2
|Nov mean C =11.2
|Dec mean C =7.6
|Jan low C = 0.1
|Feb low C = 1.7
|Mar low C = 5.2
|Apr low C = 9.3
|May low C = 14.4
|Jun low C = 18.8
|Jul low C = 20.8
|Aug low C = 20.3
|Sep low C = 17.0
|Oct low C = 10.3
|Nov low C = 4.2
|Dec low C = 1.5
|Jan dew point C =1.0
|Feb dew point C =2.4
|Mar dew point C =5.5
|Apr dew point C =9.8
|May dew point C =15.2
|Jun dew point C =19.4
|Jul dew point C =21.2
|Aug dew point C =20.7
|Sep dew point C =17.7
|Oct dew point C =11.9
|Nov dew point C =5.8
|Dec dew point C =2.9
|source 1 = Prism Climate Group<ref>{{cite web
| url=https://prism.oregonstate.edu/explorer/
| title=PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University
| publisher=Northwest Alliance for Computational Science & Engineering (NACSE), based at Oregon State University
| access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>
| date=March 14, 2023}}


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Line 98: Line 176:
|2000= 14592
|2000= 14592
|2010= 21348
|2010= 21348
|2020= 22069
|estyear=2019
|estimate=21225
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2019.html|date=May 24, 2020|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 20, 2013|author-link=United States Census Bureau}}</ref><br>2018 Estimate<ref name="2018 Pop Estimate">{{cite web|title=Population Estimates|url=https://census.gov/data/tables/2018/demo/popest/total-cities-and-towns.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=June 8, 2018}}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 20, 2013|author-link=United States Census Bureau}}</ref><br />2018 Estimate<ref name="2018 Pop Estimate">{{cite web|title=Population Estimates|url=https://census.gov/data/tables/2018/demo/popest/total-cities-and-towns.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=June 8, 2018}}</ref>
}}
}}


===2020 census===
As of the [[census]] of 2010, there were 21,348 people, 8,072 households, and 5,955 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 688 people per square mile (265.9/km{{sup|2}}). There were 8,806 housing units at an average density of 284 per square mile (109.6/km{{sup|2}}). The racial makeup of the city was 80.5% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 12.6% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.4% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 1.1% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.0% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 3.9% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.5% from two or more races. 6.6% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Oxford racial composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US0157576&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=December 11, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!Race
!Num.
!Perc.
|-
|[[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic)
|15,309
|69.37%
|-
|[[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic)
|3,645
|16.52%
|-
|[[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]
|69
|0.31%
|-
|[[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]
|377
|1.71%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]]
|9
|0.04%
|-
|[[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]]
|910
|4.12%
|-
|[[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
|1,750
|7.93%
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 22,069 people and 5,604 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|677|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 8,806 housing units at an average density of {{convert|284|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}.


There were 8,072 households, out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.05.
There were 8,072 households, out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.05.
Line 111: Line 222:
In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.


The median income for a household in the city was $47,928, and the median income for a family was $53,612. Males had a median income of $46,008 versus $30,231 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $22,815. About 10.8% of families and 13.4% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 22.3% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.
The median income for a household in the city was $57,887, and the median income for a family was $53,612. Males had a median income of $46,008 versus $30,231 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $27,568. About 10.8% of families and 13.4% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 22.3% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.


==Economy==
==Economy==
The city's growth in recent years can be attributed mainly to the presence of [[Interstate 20]] and Oxford's central location between [[Atlanta]] and [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]]. The Quintard Mall is the only fully enclosed shopping mall between Birmingham and [[Douglasville, Georgia]]. Several other shopping centers dot the landscape of Oxford with the most recent being the construction of the Oxford Commons which is just off exit 188 on Interstate 20.
The city's growth in recent years can be attributed mainly to the presence of [[Interstate 20]] and Oxford's central location between [[Atlanta]] and [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]]. The Quintard Mall is the only fully enclosed shopping mall between Birmingham and [[Douglasville, Georgia]]. Several other shopping centers dot the landscape of Oxford with the most recent being the construction of the Oxford Commons which is just off exit 188 on Interstate 20.


==Arts and culture==
==Arts and culture==
* [[Oxford Performing Arts Center]]
* The Southern Preppers Expo (every September)<ref>http://www.thesouthernpreppers.com</ref>
* [[Quintard Mall]]
* [[Quintard Mall]]
* Oxford Lake Park
* Choccolocco Park<ref>http://www.choccoloccopark.com/</ref>


==Government==
==Government==
Oxford features a mayor-council form of government, though the mayor actually dictates the daily running of the city. Alton Craft is the current mayor, having succeeded former Mayor Leon Smith, whose mayorship began in 1984 and retired from office after his eighth term in 2016. Craft previously served as the Finance Director of Oxford for over two decades. The five-member council includes Phil Gardner (Place 1), Charlotte Hubbard (Place 2), Mike Henderson (Place 3), Chris Spurlin (Place 4, Council President), and Steven Waits (Place 5, Council President Pro Tempore). The mayor and city council members are elected to four-year terms that coincided with presidential election years. In 2021, a bill was passed in the Alabama legislature that moved many municipal elections, including Oxford’s, to non-presidential election years. The next election will be in 2025 and will then be held every four years.
Oxford features a mayor-council form of government, though the mayor actually dictates the daily running of the city. Alton Craft is the current mayor, having succeeded former Mayor Leon Smith, whose mayorship began in 1984 and retired from office after his eighth term in 2016. Craft previously served as the Finance Director of Oxford for over two decades. The five-member council includes Phil Gardner (Place 1), Charlotte Hubbard (Place 2), Mike Henderson (Place 3), Chris Spurlin (Place 4, Council President), and Steven Waits (Place 5, Council President Pro Tempore). The mayor and city council members are elected to four-year terms that coincided with presidential election years. In 2021, a bill was passed in the Alabama legislature that moved many municipal elections, including Oxford's, to non-presidential election years. The next election will be in 2025 and will then be held every four years.


==Education==
==Education==
Oxford's public schools are administered by the Oxford City School System. There are four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. A new Oxford High School building opened in August 2010, as well as a new Technical Building. <ref>http://www.oxford.k12.al.us Oxford City Schools</ref>
Oxford's public schools are administered by the Oxford City School System. There are four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. A new Oxford High School building opened in August 2010, as well as a new Technical Building.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oxford City Schools / Homepage |url=https://www.oxfordcityschools.com/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oxfordcityschools.com%2Fdefault.aspx%3FPageID%3D1 |access-date=March 31, 2023 |website=www.oxfordcityschools.com |language=en}}</ref>


==Media==
==Media==
Line 132: Line 241:
* [[WTDR-FM]] 92.7 (Country)
* [[WTDR-FM]] 92.7 (Country)
* [[WVOK-FM]] 97.9 (Adult Contemporary)
* [[WVOK-FM]] 97.9 (Adult Contemporary)
* [[WVOK (AM)|WVOK]]-AM 1580 (Oldies)
* [[WTAZ (AM)|WTAZ]] 1580 (Oldies)
* [[WEAC-CD]] TV 24 (Television Broadcast Station)
* WEAC-CD TV 24 (Television Broadcast Station)
* ''[[The Anniston Star]]'' (25,000 circulation daily newspaper)
* ''[[The Anniston Star]]'' (25,000 circulation daily newspaper)
* ''Oxford Independent'' (weekly newspaper)
* ''Oxford Independent'' (weekly newspaper)
Line 140: Line 249:
==Infrastructure==
==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
===Transportation===
Major highways passing through Oxford include:
[[Areawide Community Transportation System]] provides local bus service on an hourly schedule in Oxford. Major highways passing through the city include:
{{div col}}
{{div col}}
*[[File:I-20 (AL).svg|20px]] [[Interstate 20]]
*[[File:I-20 (AL).svg|20px]] [[Interstate 20]]
Line 150: Line 259:


===Law enforcement===
===Law enforcement===
The city maintains a sixty four-man police department. The agency is divided into Uniform Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Administrative Division. The agency also has several specialized units including Special Investigations Division, Emergency Services Unit, Traffic Homicide Unit, Aviation Unit, and Honor Guard.<ref>http://www.oxfordpd.org</ref>
The city maintains a 64-member police department. The agency is divided into Uniform Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Administrative Division. The agency also has several specialized units including Special Investigations Division, Emergency Services Unit, Traffic Homicide Unit, Aviation Unit, and Honor Guard.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oxfordpd.org/|title=Home_new|website=oxfordpd}}</ref>


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
*[[Kwon Alexander]], NFL, New Orleans Saints
*[[Kwon Alexander]], NFL, New Orleans Saints
*[[The Bridges (band)|The Bridges]], [[folk rock]] band
*[[The Bridges (band)|The Bridges]], [[folk rock]] band
*[[K. J. Britt]], NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
*Rick Burgess, half of the nationally syndicated radio program ''[[Rick and Bubba]]''
*Rick Burgess, half of the nationally syndicated radio program ''[[Rick and Bubba]]''
*[[Asa Earl Carter]], [[Ku Klux Klan]] leader, [[segregationist]] speech writer, and later famed [[Western (genre)|western]] novelist
*[[Asa Earl Carter]], [[Ku Klux Klan]] leader, [[segregationist]] speech writer, and later famed [[Western (genre)|western]] novelist
Line 165: Line 275:
*[[Lash LeRoux]], [[cartoonist]] and former [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]
*[[Lash LeRoux]], [[cartoonist]] and former [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]
*[[Bobby McCain]], NFL, Miami Dolphins
*[[Bobby McCain]], NFL, Miami Dolphins
*[[Felton Snow]], baseball player in the [[Negro league baseball|Negro leagues]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Felton Snow - Seamheads Negro Leagues Database|url=https://www.seamheads.com/NegroLgs/player.php?playerID=snow-01fel|access-date=2020-08-21|website=www.seamheads.com}}</ref>
*[[Felton Snow]], baseball player in the [[Negro league baseball|Negro leagues]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Felton Snow - Seamheads Negro Leagues Database|url=https://www.seamheads.com/NegroLgs/player.php?playerID=snow-01fel|access-date=August 21, 2020|website=www.seamheads.com}}</ref>
*[[Jackson Stephens]], Major League Pitcher [[Cincinnati Reds]]
*[[Jackson Stephens (baseball)|Jackson Stephens]], Major League Pitcher [[Atlanta Braves]]
*[[Jim Stephens]], former Major League Baseball [[catcher]]
*[[Jim Stephens]], former Major League Baseball [[catcher]]
*[[Roc Thomas]], NFL, Minnesota Vikings
*[[Roc Thomas]], NFL, Minnesota Vikings

Latest revision as of 12:17, 23 December 2024

Oxford
City
Downtown Oxford
Downtown Oxford
Official seal of Oxford
Seal
Nickname: 
Crossroads to the Future
Location of Oxford in Calhoun County and Talladega County, Alabama.
Location of Oxford in Calhoun County and Talladega County, Alabama.
Coordinates: 33°35′49″N 85°50′19″W / 33.59694°N 85.83861°W / 33.59694; -85.83861
CountryUnited States
StateAlabama
CountiesCalhoun, Talladega, Cleburne
Government
 • MayorAlton Craft
Area
[1]
 • Total
32.19 sq mi (83.36 km2)
 • Land31.82 sq mi (82.42 km2)
 • Water0.36 sq mi (0.94 km2)
Elevation
686 ft (209 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
22,069
 • Density693.49/sq mi (267.76/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (Central)
ZIP code
36203, 36201, 36207, 36253
Area code256/938
FIPS code01-57576
GNIS feature ID0160330
Websitewww.oxfordal.gov

Oxford is a city in Calhoun, Talladega, and Cleburne counties in the State of Alabama, United States. The population was 22,069 at the 2020 census,.[2] Oxford is one of two principal cities of and included in the Anniston-Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area, and it is the largest city in Calhoun County by population.

History

[edit]

Founded in the early 1850s, Oxford was the first city in Calhoun County to be incorporated, in 1852.[3] The name "Oxford" was due to the presence of a narrow crossing of Chocolocco Creek that allowed farmers to ford cattle from one side of the creek to the other. Since 1970, Oxford has annexed large amounts of land to the south and west, including the communities of Coldwater and Bynum. In 1970, it was all in Calhoun County, but today it includes areas in Talladega County and Cleburne County.[4]

A smaller municipality, Hobson City, was once a part of Oxford. The area, then known as the Mooree Quarter, is one square mile, and is located north and west of Oxford, and south and west of Anniston. The new town became incorporated on August 16, 1899, as Hobson City, taking the name of a naval hero of the Spanish–American War.[5] Another result was the creation of only the second town in the United States (after Eatonville, Florida) with 100% black government, and an almost 100% black population (at least at first).[6]

Geography

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 32.2 square miles (83.3 km2), of which 31.72 square miles (82.15 km2) is land and 0.35 square miles (0.9 km2), or 1.07%, is water.[7]

Oxford lies among the foothills at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearby Cheaha Mountain is Alabama's highest point and offers expansive views of the surrounding wilderness and the city below. Much of the city's southern border is shared with the Talladega National Forest.

Major bodies of water include Oxford Lake, Choccolocco Park Lake, Lake Hillabee, Snow Creek, and the Choccolocco Creek that bisects the city.

Oxford is located mainly in the southern part of Calhoun County and is located along Interstate 20, which runs through the southern part of the city, with access from exits 179, 185, 188, and 191. Via I-20, Birmingham is 62 mi (100 km) west, and Atlanta is 88 mi (142 km) east. U.S. Route 78 also runs through the city and connects it to Cleburne County, paralleling I-20. Alabama State Route 21 connects the city with the city of Talladega, which is southwest 21 mi (34 km).

Climate

[edit]

According to the Köppen climate classification, Oxford has a humid subtropical climate (abbreviated Cfa).

Climate data for Oxford, 1991–2020 simulated normals (653 ft elevation)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 54.0
(12.2) 		58.1
(14.5) 		66.4
(19.1) 		74.3
(23.5) 		81.0
(27.2) 		87.1
(30.6) 		90.0
(32.2) 		89.4
(31.9) 		85.1
(29.5) 		75.6
(24.2) 		64.8
(18.2) 		56.7
(13.7) 		73.5
(23.1)
Daily mean °F (°C) 43.2
(6.2) 		46.6
(8.1) 		54.0
(12.2) 		61.5
(16.4) 		69.4
(20.8) 		76.5
(24.7) 		79.7
(26.5) 		79.0
(26.1) 		73.9
(23.3) 		63.0
(17.2) 		52.2
(11.2) 		45.7
(7.6) 		62.1
(16.7)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 32.2
(0.1) 		35.1
(1.7) 		41.4
(5.2) 		48.7
(9.3) 		57.9
(14.4) 		65.8
(18.8) 		69.4
(20.8) 		68.5
(20.3) 		62.6
(17.0) 		50.5
(10.3) 		39.6
(4.2) 		34.7
(1.5) 		50.5
(10.3)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 5.27
(133.88) 		5.48
(139.26) 		5.50
(139.60) 		4.78
(121.33) 		4.27
(108.49) 		4.76
(120.98) 		4.61
(117.05) 		3.78
(96.00) 		3.11
(78.90) 		3.44
(87.38) 		4.45
(112.92) 		5.16
(131.15) 		54.61
(1,386.94)
Average dew point °F (°C) 33.8
(1.0) 		36.3
(2.4) 		41.9
(5.5) 		49.6
(9.8) 		59.4
(15.2) 		66.9
(19.4) 		70.2
(21.2) 		69.3
(20.7) 		63.9
(17.7) 		53.4
(11.9) 		42.4
(5.8) 		37.2
(2.9) 		52.0
(11.1)
Source: Prism Climate Group[8]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1880780—
18901,47388.8%
19001,372−6.9%
19101,090−20.6%
19201,1081.7%
19301,2068.8%
19401,39315.5%
19501,69721.8%
19603,603112.3%
19704,36121.0%
19808,939105.0%
19909,3624.7%
200014,59255.9%
201021,34846.3%
202022,0693.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]
2018 Estimate[10]

2020 census

[edit]
Oxford racial composition[11]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 15,309 69.37%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 3,645 16.52%
Native American 69 0.31%
Asian 377 1.71%
Pacific Islander 9 0.04%
Other/Mixed 910 4.12%
Hispanic or Latino 1,750 7.93%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 22,069 people and 5,604 families residing in the city. The population density was 677 inhabitants per square mile (261/km2). There were 8,806 housing units at an average density of 284 per square mile (110/km2).

There were 8,072 households, out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.4% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $57,887, and the median income for a family was $53,612. Males had a median income of $46,008 versus $30,231 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,568. About 10.8% of families and 13.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.3% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

[edit]

The city's growth in recent years can be attributed mainly to the presence of Interstate 20 and Oxford's central location between Atlanta and Birmingham. The Quintard Mall is the only fully enclosed shopping mall between Birmingham and Douglasville, Georgia. Several other shopping centers dot the landscape of Oxford with the most recent being the construction of the Oxford Commons which is just off exit 188 on Interstate 20.

Arts and culture

[edit]

Government

[edit]

Oxford features a mayor-council form of government, though the mayor actually dictates the daily running of the city. Alton Craft is the current mayor, having succeeded former Mayor Leon Smith, whose mayorship began in 1984 and retired from office after his eighth term in 2016. Craft previously served as the Finance Director of Oxford for over two decades. The five-member council includes Phil Gardner (Place 1), Charlotte Hubbard (Place 2), Mike Henderson (Place 3), Chris Spurlin (Place 4, Council President), and Steven Waits (Place 5, Council President Pro Tempore). The mayor and city council members are elected to four-year terms that coincided with presidential election years. In 2021, a bill was passed in the Alabama legislature that moved many municipal elections, including Oxford's, to non-presidential election years. The next election will be in 2025 and will then be held every four years.

Education

[edit]

Oxford's public schools are administered by the Oxford City School System. There are four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. A new Oxford High School building opened in August 2010, as well as a new Technical Building.[12]

Media

[edit]
  • WTBJ-FM 91.3 (Christian Radio)
  • WTDR-FM 92.7 (Country)
  • WVOK-FM 97.9 (Adult Contemporary)
  • WTAZ 1580 (Oldies)
  • WEAC-CD TV 24 (Television Broadcast Station)
  • The Anniston Star (25,000 circulation daily newspaper)
  • Oxford Independent (weekly newspaper)
  • Insight (a bi-monthly entertainment and event paper serving Oxford and Calhoun county)

Infrastructure

[edit]

Transportation

[edit]

Areawide Community Transportation System provides local bus service on an hourly schedule in Oxford. Major highways passing through the city include:

Law enforcement

[edit]

The city maintains a 64-member police department. The agency is divided into Uniform Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Administrative Division. The agency also has several specialized units including Special Investigations Division, Emergency Services Unit, Traffic Homicide Unit, Aviation Unit, and Honor Guard.[13]

Notable people

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  2. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Oxford city, Alabama".
  3. ^ Alabama Encyclopedia
  4. ^ Old borders based on Andriot, John L. Township Atlas of the United States (McLean, Virginia: Andriot Associates, 1979) p. 17
  5. ^ Claire M. Wilson, of Auburn University, Alabama Encyclopedia, retrieved 5Dec2014
  6. ^ The Story of the Progress and Achievements of the Negro in the Art of Self Government, by Ross Blackmon, published in 1947
  7. ^ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Oxford city, Alabama". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  8. ^ "PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University". Northwest Alliance for Computational Science & Engineering (NACSE), based at Oregon State University. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  9. ^ United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Retrieved November 20, 2013.
  10. ^ "Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
  11. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  12. ^ "Oxford City Schools / Homepage". www.oxfordcityschools.com. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
  13. ^ "Home_new". oxfordpd.
  14. ^ "Felton Snow - Seamheads Negro Leagues Database". www.seamheads.com. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Oxford,_Alabama&oldid=1264770207"