Historical Markers in Baker County, Oregon
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
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.