National Register Listing

Sumpter Valley Railway Historic District

Roughly between Baker and Prairie City starting near the McEwen station site and W to the Dixie Pass area, Sumpter, OR
The Sumpter Valley Railway was historically significant in the development of the Blue Mountains region, an area of over 7,500 square miles encompassing some of the most rugged and sparsely populated country in the Pacific Northwest. Built between 1890 and 1910, the railway ran 80.1 miles from Baker, Oregon, to Prairie City, Oregon, touching the communities of McEwen, Sumpter, Whitney, Austin, and Bates en route. During most of its period of operation from 1890 to 1947, the railway provided the only means of mechanical transportation to these communities. Industries dependent upon the railway included logging and lumber, gold mining, and stock raising. On the national level, the railway is representative of the industrialization of the mountain west. Development of the forest, range and mineral resources of the Blue Mountains followed the railway; as these resources dwindled, the railway and the communities it served diminished to the point that the railway corridor contains today less than 10% of the population it held in 1900. Historic personages associated with the railway include its founder, David Eccles (1849-1912) of Salt Lake City, who was one of the great capitalists of the American frontier. His son, Marriner Eccles, worked on the railway prior to his career in national politics as an advisor to President F. D. Roosevelt and the chairman of the Federal Reserve. The civil engineer responsible for the railway's design and construction was Joseph A. West, a prominent railroad engineer in Salt Lake City. Currently, the Sumpter Valley Railway is one of the four or five best-remembered narrow gauge railroads in the far west. The subject of a popular history that has remained in print since 1967, the railway is noted for its longevity, the beauty of its setting, and its association with the fabled gold mines of the Blue Mountains.

The Sumpter Valley Railway meets National Register criterion A in its association with the broad pattern of events in the regional history of the Pacific Northwest. It is of interest also in its association with David Eccles and Marriner Eccles, both of whom were prominent personages on the regional and national scenes. The period of significance has been cited as 1890 to 1939 to correspond with its construction, peak operation, and the last episode of major repair. The railway operated, however, until its final abandonment in 1961.

Also contributing to the significance of the district are four items of historic rolling stock associated with the Sumpter Valley Railway and the W. H. Eccles Lumber Company. These items are in use or temporarily stored as exhibit items on the McEwen-Sumpter segment restored by the Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration, Inc. Locomotive No. 3 is believed the only historic wood-burning, narrow gauge locomotive still in operation in the American West.
Local significance of the district:
Industry; Commerce; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Oregon.
Oregon was the first state in the United States to have a statewide planning program. In 1973, Oregon passed the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Act, which required local governments to adopt comprehensive plans for land use.
Oregon random facts
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 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.