Heritage
Long before white men found Oxford and its forests, the Maoris (over 475 years ago) from pas at Tuahiwi, Cust and Kaiapoi frequently journeyed to the district in search of food supplies, the native rat, birds, raupo and the root of the cabbage tree. Oxford's sawmilling heritage started in the 1850's when the early European settlers moved into the area. That was the foundations of the bustling sawmilling era that cleared the native beech trees, an industry which proved extensive and important for the next 50 years. Farming started when Joseph Pearson (which Pearson Park is named after) arrived in 1851 with a flock of sheep. The Oxford District has experienced serious fires and many mills and houses and stock were lost.
The history of Oxford can be found in the Oxford Museum that is housed at the back of the JC Rooms, the building built by the community from more than 20,000 hand-made bricks.
Oxford is named after the Bishop of Oxford, England. |
