when was the university of mississippi formally founded
The University of Mississippi opened its doors to eighty students in 1848 and has since become a landmark of Oxford and the heart of the South. In 1861 the Civil War broke out and wreaked havoc on many parts of the South. Oxford was no exception. The War claimed many things in Oxford -- structures, livelihoods, and most importantly, lives. The University of Mississippi saw many students leave to fight and never return. In all, almost 2,000 men left to fight in the bitter conflict.