Contact
Anthony Lake in the Elkhorn Mountains. (Oregon State Archives Photo)
County Seat: 1995 3rd St., Baker City 97814
Phone: 541-523-8203 (General); 541-523-8207 (County Clerk)
Fax: 541-523-8240
About
Population (2018): 16,765
Established: Sept. 22, 1862
Elev. at Baker City: 3,471'
Area: 3,089 sq. mi.
Average Temp.: January 25.2° July 66.6°
Assessed Value: $1,644,000,000
Real Market Value: $2,046,000,000
(includes the value of non-taxed properties)
Annual Precipitation: 10.63"
Economy: Agriculture, forest products, manufacturing and recreation
Related Resources
Incorporated Cities
Points of Interest
The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and Old Oregon Trail, Sumpter Gold Dredge Park and ghost towns, Sumpter Valley Railroad, Baker City Restored Historic District (including Geiser Grand Hotel), Anthony Lakes Ski Resort, Eagle Cap Wilderness area, Brownlee, Oxbow and Hells Canyon Reservoirs, Hells Canyon
History and General Information
Baker County was established from part of Wasco County and named after Colonel Edward D. Baker, a U.S. Senator from Oregon. A Union officer and close friend of President Lincoln, Colonel Baker was the only member of Congress to die in the Civil War. He was killed at Ball’s Bluff, Virginia. Auburn, which no longer exists, was the first county seat. Baker City became the county seat in 1868 and was incorporated in 1874.
Before 1861, the majority of immigrants only paused in Baker County on their way west, unaware of its vast agricultural and mineral resources. Then the great gold rush began, and Baker County became one of the Northwest’s largest gold producers. Farming, ranching, logging and recreation have become the chief economic bases for an area that displays spectacular scenery, including the world’s deepest gorge Hells Canyon; an outstanding museum with the famous Cavin-Walfel rock collection; and numerous historic buildings with interesting architectural features.
County Officials
Commissioners—Chair William “Bill” E. Harvey 2023; Mark E. Bennett 2023, Bruce Nichols 2021, Dist. Atty. Matthew Shirtcliff 2021; Assess. Kerry Savage 2021; Clerk Stefanie Kirby 2023; Justice of the Peace Brent Kerns 2023; Sheriff Travis Ash 2021; Surv. Tom Hanley 2021; Treas. Alice Durflinger 2023; Co. Admin. Christena Cook; Chief Information Officer Bill Lee