Antlers Guard Station

SE of Whitney, Wallowa--Whitman NF, Whitney, OR
The Antlers Guard Station typifies the construction projects undertaken by the Civilian Conservation Corps and signifies the aid to the local community provided by the emergency work-relief program through the employment of youth and experienced craftsmen, purchase of building materials and camp supplies, and personal expenditures of enrollees. The property represents the Forest Service's presence in the locality, as the headquarters for field operation, and denotes, via the physical facilities required to carry out the agency's expanding responsibilities, the critical transition in the Service's development from custodial superintendence to extensive resource management. The Antlers Guard Station exemplifies the rustic architectural idiom developed by the Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, to impart Forest Service identity and to represent its purposes and ideals, and signifies the agency's particular interpretation of a singular expression of early twentieth-century American architectural thought. Possessing standard qualities of design and execution, the Guard Station is a fair example of an architectural locution invested with special aesthetic and associative values by the agency that created it.
Local significance of the building:
Conservation; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

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.

Oregon was the first state in the United States to have a bottle bill. In 1971, Oregon passed a law requiring a refundable deposit on beverage containers. This law was later adopted by other states and is now common throughout the United States.
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.

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.