Maxwell, James O., Farmstead
Rt. 2, Box 82 on N side Muddy Creek Rd., Haines, ORThe James O. Maxwell Farmstead in the Powder River Valley in the vicinity of Haines, Baker County, Oregon, is comprised of an ensemble of seven interdependent buildings dating from 1880 to 1900, together with a barn lot, associated pasturage and orchard central to the historic farming operation. The centerpiece of the 3.67-acre nominated area is a two-story, late Queen Anne-style farmhouse with Eastlake detailing which was constructed in 1900 near the site of the first farm residence, which had burned. The house was designed to accommodate the large numbers of persons needed for the efficient operation of the farm. It also housed relatives and the ten children of James O. Maxwell and his wife, the former Nancy Hand. In addition to the fine exterior detailing, the house is embellished on the interior with hand-painted grained-finish woodwork which is in excellent condition. A 1 1/2-story cold cellar and bunkhouse are attached to the back of the house. Other contributing features include a smokehouse and washhouse contemporaneous with the farmhouse; the original log barn (1880), a pole-frame granary and an equipment shed of the 1890s, and a large hay barn, built in 1896. The farmstead is locally significant under National Register as a well-preserved and unusually complete late 19th/early 20th Century farm ensemble in which individual buildings are fine and, in some cases, rare examples of their architectural types. The farmstead is significant also for its association with James and Nancy Maxwell, who developed one of the prosperous large-scale farming operations in Baker County at the turn of the century. In addition, Maxwell was widely recognized as a public-spirited member of the community. The period of significance is drawn from the earliest building construction date represented in the ensemble to the death of James Maxwell (1853-1917), but the farm continued to prosper under the direction of Nancy Maxwell until 1937, and it has remained in family ownership to the present day.
The attached and dependent structures of the Farmstead are architecturally significant within the historic context of their setting and are important survivals in that they are well-maintained and clearly identifiable in terms of the original function. The log barn is one of very few remaining pioneer structures in the region and is a sound, well-maintained example of log-built frontier architecture. It has been in constant use since 1880 and is not neglected. The Targe hay barn of 1896 is an outstanding example of late 19th Century timber-framed barn construction, unusual in terms of size and overall condition. Barns, once universal in the rural areas of northeastern Oregon, are rapidly disappearing. This is particularly true of large structures. The shift from horses to mechanized traction, and the emphasis on beef rather than dairy cattle, have made the barn an anachronism in an area of very few dairy operations. The majority of surviving examples in eastern Oregon are no longer in use and, as a result, are either in a state of deterioration or are being demolished. The Maxwell barn is being preserved, is well maintained, and is being adapted where necessary in order to insure its continuation as a functional component of the farm. The farm is itself of historic significance in that it has been operated by one family from its beginning, with ownership following a direct line of descent that covers a period representing all but seventeen years of the entire period of settlement and development of northeastern Oregon. The farm complex is a living history of that process in which all its stages are represented, and in which the past survives in harmony with the present and the future.
Local significance of the building:
The attached and dependent structures of the Farmstead are architecturally significant within the historic context of their setting and are important survivals in that they are well-maintained and clearly identifiable in terms of the original function. The log barn is one of very few remaining pioneer structures in the region and is a sound, well-maintained example of log-built frontier architecture. It has been in constant use since 1880 and is not neglected. The Targe hay barn of 1896 is an outstanding example of late 19th Century timber-framed barn construction, unusual in terms of size and overall condition. Barns, once universal in the rural areas of northeastern Oregon, are rapidly disappearing. This is particularly true of large structures. The shift from horses to mechanized traction, and the emphasis on beef rather than dairy cattle, have made the barn an anachronism in an area of very few dairy operations. The majority of surviving examples in eastern Oregon are no longer in use and, as a result, are either in a state of deterioration or are being demolished. The Maxwell barn is being preserved, is well maintained, and is being adapted where necessary in order to insure its continuation as a functional component of the farm. The farm is itself of historic significance in that it has been operated by one family from its beginning, with ownership following a direct line of descent that covers a period representing all but seventeen years of the entire period of settlement and development of northeastern Oregon. The farm complex is a living history of that process in which all its stages are represented, and in which the past survives in harmony with the present and the future.
Agriculture; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Columbia River Gorge, located on the border between Oregon and Washington, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The gorge is over 80 miles long and is known for its scenic beauty and waterfalls.
About Baker County
Baker County Timeline
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.
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.
Baker County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.