Baker County

Baker County is an administrative region in northeastern Oregon with mountains, forests, and valleys containing the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area and portions of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The county encompasses sparsely populated lands with natural landscapes and significant protected areas.

The county was established in 1862 from Wasco County territory and named after Senator Edward Dickinson Baker, who died during the Civil War. This creation followed gold discoveries in the region that sparked economic growth and settlement expansion.

The Oregon Trail heritage remains visible through preserved wagon ruts at Flagstaff Hill near Baker City, showing how early settlers traveled westward. The landscape and local sites keep these pioneer journeys alive in the community's memory.

The County Clerk's office in Baker City handles marriage licenses, property records, and local elections as the main administrative center. Visitors should check what documents they need to bring if they require services from local government offices.

In 1914, Fern Hobbs, the mayor of Copperfield, declared martial law—the first time since the Civil War in Oregon. This unusual action was taken to manage a defiant mining town and made Copperfield a notable chapter in the state's martial law history.

Location: Oregon

Inception: 1862

Capital city: Baker City

Shares border with: Union County, Wallowa County, Adams County, Washington County, Malheur County, Grant County

Website: http://bakercounty.org

GPS coordinates: 44.71000,-117.67000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07