Baker County, Oregon

Antlers Guard Station Baker Historic District Baker Municipal Natatorium Churchill School Clark, Robert F. and Elizabeth, House Cornucopia Jailhouse Maxwell, James O., Farmstead Oregon Commercial Company Building Rand, Ed, House St. Elizabeth Hospital (Old) SUMPTER VALLEY GOLD DREDGE (dredge) Sumpter Valley Railway Historic District Superintendent's House Unity Ranger Station

A Golden History A Tale of the Tailings A Working Dredge Ah Hee Diggings Alfred Block Anchoring the Dredge Antlers Hotel Baker Baker City Chinese History Baker City Hall Baker Loan and Trust Building Baker Valley Rest Area Oregon Trail Kiosk Basche-Sage Hardware Co. Building Bishop Building Cattle Drives Chandler Cabin Chinese Shrine Durkee Farewell Bend Farewell Bend Oregon Trail Kiosk First National Bank Building Floating in its own pond Flynn Building Geiser Grand Hotel Gerstle-Solomon Building Gwilliam Brothers Bakery Haskell Building J.C. Penney Building Jett Building Kennedy Building Log Cabin Saloon Lynndale Building Mann Block McCord House and Shop Miller Apartment Building Miller's Lunch Building Mint-Fox Building Old Oregon Trail Old Post Office Oregon Trail Memorial Red Boy Mine Remnants of the Oregon Trail Rogers Hotel Ruts of the Oregon Trail Shoemaker Building Site of Bank of Sumpter Sumpter, Oregon The Fremont Powerhouse Historic District The Last Spike The Lone Tree of the Oregon Trail The Lure of Gold The Masonic Temple The Oregon Trail The Smoke Shop The Telephone Exchange Van Ornum Massacre Van Ornum Wagon Train Massacre Van Ornum Wagon Train Massacre Walker Block Weatherby Oregon Trail Kiosk Weller-Henry Building YMCA Building "The 1880's Park" in Haines

Baker County, located in Eastern Oregon, has a rich and colorful history dating back thousands of years. The area was traditionally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shoshone, Nez Perce, and Bannock tribes, who lived off the land through hunting, gathering, and fishing. The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century had a profound impact on the region.

During the mid-1800s, Baker County saw a surge of prospectors during the Oregon gold rush. Miners flocked to the area in search of wealth, leading to the establishment of several mining towns such as Auburn, Sumpter, and Baker City. These towns became centers of economic activity, with thriving businesses, saloons, and schools. Notable mines in the area included the Virtue Mine and the famous Sumpter Valley Dredge.

The region's boom continued with the arrival of the Oregon Short Line Railroad in the late 19th century. The railroad connected Baker County to the rest of the state, facilitating the transportation of goods and people, and spurring further development. Baker City became an important transportation hub and a trade center for the surrounding agricultural communities.

In the 20th century, Baker County experienced economic challenges as the mines and timber industries declined. However, the county's rich history and natural beauty have contributed to a growing tourism industry. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of mining operations, enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, and immerse themselves in the area's fascinating heritage.

Brief timeline of the history of Baker County, Oregon:

1862: Baker County is established on September 22.
1864: The county seat is moved from Auburn to Baker City.
1889: The Oregon Short Line Railroad arrives in Baker City.
1898: The Baker County Courthouse is built.
1914: Eastern Oregon Normal School, now known as Eastern Oregon University, is founded in La Grande.
1939: The Sumpter Valley Railroad ceases operation.
1970: The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center opens near Baker City.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Baker County, Oregon.

Baker County, Oregon

National Register Listings 14

Historical Markers 63

Brief timeline of the history of Baker County, Oregon: