MANY-NAMED OXFORD … It may be that no other town in Maryland has borne as many different names as this lovely one which had its beginnings in 1668. In its earliest days it was a depot for ship supplies, including thread; this may be why it was first known as Thread Haven. Later it was called Third Haven, Tred Avon and William-Stadt before finally in 1702 becoming Oxford. For some years the town was an important port of entry, but the rapid development of Annapolis and Baltimore sent its ocean trade into eclipse. It is now a commercial fishing and oystering center, and caters to sport fishermen and boaters.
Lying on the southern tip of a peninsula between the Choptank and Tred Avon rivers, Oxford has one of the finest harbors on the Eastern Shore. The Maryland town had its beginnings in 1668, and the following year was designated as a port of entry. Because of its deep, land-locked harbor and its fine ship yards, Oxford soon became the chief port of entry and metropolis of the shore. At one time nearly 200 vessels were registered at the Customs House. Large English commercial houses established branches here, exporting tobacco and importing slaves, indentured servants and convicts. When tobacco trade fell off and other ports, such as Baltimore,grew, the decline of Oxford began. The last sea-going vessel called here in 1759.
