Discover Chester County

Description

Lower Oxford Township is nestled in the rolling hills of southern Chester County approximately one hour from both Philadelphia and Baltimore. In 1754, Oxford (originally known as Hood’s) was founded after Londonderry Township was divided. It was named after Oxford, England. Then in 1797, the Oxford area was split into Upper and Lower Oxford Townships. Hood’s Crossing was a part of Lower Oxford and a stopover for travelers as stagecoaches from Philadelphia and Baltimore traveled through three times a week. In 1805, a post office was established at Hood’s Tavern to service Lower Oxford Township.

Today, Lower Oxford Township consists of 11,646 acres. There are a total of 84 farms, 39 of which are owned by the Amish. In November 2004, the residents voted to have a .5% earned income tax which is used to buy development rights from farmers. So far through this Open Space program in partnership with Chester County, the Township has been able to purchase agricultural easements for 913 acres. Prior to the Open Space program, 1,360 acres had been preserved. That’s a total of 2,273 acres of land that will never be developed in Lower Oxford Township. Approximately 5,527 acres are in the Agricultural Security program.