L. Q.C. Lamar house Museum

Built by Lucius and Virginia Lamar in 1869-70, the house originally sat on 30 acres. Today the remaining three acres between 616 N. 14th Street and N. 16th create a park-like setting in the heart of Oxford. Benches offer a private, tranquil place to read a book, chat with a friend, or simply relax. An imposing likeness of L.Q.C. Lamar faces the front porch, a fitting companion to the relaxed William Faulkner outside City Hall. Taylor artist Bill Beckwith sculpted both, as he did B.B. King for the singer’s museum in Indianola. A state champion osage orange tree, estimated to be 150 years old, claims a unique presence on the property. As Oxford rose from the ashes, Lamar prepared to become a statesman in his house. Today the handsome Greek Revival retains its original appearance along with a few of its original furnishings. Verging on collapse, it went through a meticulous year- long restoration completed in June 2008. A short video captures that process. Professionally designed exhibits complement the interior of the house. They tell Lamar’s story against the backdrop of a divided nation. Through both its tragic split and difficult reunion, politics shaped Lamar’s life.