Miami University established at Oxford, Ohio

Legislative Foundation. The Ohio Legislature selected a township off Four Mile Creek, known as the College Township, and chartered Miami University in 1809. On February 2, 1809, the state legislature passed "An Act to Establish the Miami University," which formally created a board of trustees. This legislative action established the framework for the university's organization and governance in Oxford, Ohio.

Religious and Financial Context. Miami University was financed by means of a government land grant. Initially, the university was inaugurated and operated by Presbyterians. This religious affiliation was supported by explicit legislative encouragement for religious education, which had been enshrined in the Northwest Ordinance. The university's early operations reflected these religious and financial foundations.

Oxford and the College Township. Oxford, Ohio, was platted within the College Township in 1810. The city was founded in 1810 to serve as the home of Miami University. Oxford was laid out by James Heaton on March 29, 1810, by an order of the Ohio General Assembly on February 6, 1810. The town was named for Oxford, England, home to the University of Oxford.