About the Isom
a home.
The Isom Place (circa 1835-1836) and its occupants have been instrumental in the development of Oxford, the University of Mississippi and the people who have inhabited the region. The home was the residents of Dr. Thomas Isom and in 1836 a medical practice was set up which would span 60 years. A three-room log cabin was the original foundation of the home as we know it today. The exact date of completion for the first addition in the late 1830's is unknown.
a vision.
Between 1840 and 1862 the original two-story home vernacular frame house came into being. It is suggested by some historic scholars that the University of Mississippi Charter was signed in the current space that is dining room of the home. Sarah McGehee Isom, affectionally known as "Miss Sallie", daughter of Dr. Thomas Isom, was the first woman faculty member at the University of Mississippi, and was also the first female faculty member at any southern university. She lived in the Isom Place until her death in 1905. William Faulkner visited the home often and it has been said that Faulkner's fictional setting for the short story, " A Rose for Emily" was the Isom Place. The home was restored in 1960 by the Worthy family and during the construction the date 1838 was found scratched on a foundation stone. Between 1840 and 1862 the original two-story home vernacular frame house came into being. Sarah McGehee "Miss Sallie" Isom, daughter of Dr. Thomas Isom, was the first woman faculty member at any southern university. She lived in the Isom Place until her death in 1905.
a venue.
In the early 1990's the Isom Place was purchased by the Barksdale family and underwent a major expansion and complete restoration. It was opened as a Bed and Breakfast by the late Susan Barksdale Howorth, and earned world-renowned accolades in the hospitality industry. The house was gifted to the University of Mississippi in 2000's and housed the Barksdale Reading Insititute for many years. It was purchased in 2020 by SRM Properties and was opened as an event venue in April of 2021. The house has been passed down generations and continues to be loved and cherished by all. As a venue, any can walk through its doors and experience the wonder.