Oxford is situated in Cumberland County, along Highway 104.  Oxford was founded in 1791 by Richard Thompson, who built Oxford's sawmill, thus making forestry the first industry in Oxford.  The town name is based from the fact early settlers used to travel across a shallow river near Oxford using oxen carts.  The shallow river through Oxford also powered various mills.  Today, Oxford is the proud home of the blueberry capital of Canada, as its main industry is in fact Oxford Frozen Foods.

Oxford is home to Wild Blueberry and Maple Centre, which includes interactive tours, the local history of the blueberry and maple industries in Oxford and all Nova Scotia, as well as a gift shop and various blueberry and maple products.  Oxford also is home to a blueberry museum, many blueberry fields and a huge blueberry sculpture. The Oxford Lions Club Picnic Park is surrounded by a lake and offers a picnic area.  Oxford is located just 76.2 km (47.3 mi.) northwest of Truro.

Oxford accommodations include bed and breakfasts and inns.