Baker County, Oregon
Baker County | |
---|---|
Coordinates:44°43′N117°40′W/ 44.71°N 117.67°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Oregon |
Founded | September 22, 1862 |
Named for | Edward D. Baker |
Seat | Baker City |
Largest city | Baker City |
Area | |
• Total | 3,088 sq mi (8,000 km2) |
• Land | 3,068 sq mi (7,950 km2) |
• Water | 20 sq mi (50 km2) 0.6% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 16,668 |
• Estimate (2023) | 16,912 |
• Density | 5.22/sq mi (2.02/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−8(Pacific) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−7(PDT) |
Congressional district | 2nd |
Website | www |
Baker Countyis one of the36 countiesin theU.S. stateofOregon.As of the2020 census,the population was 16,668.[1]Thecounty seatand largest city isBaker City.[2]The county was organized on September 22, 1862, when a portion ofWasco Countywas partitioned off. The new county's area was reduced in 1864 whenUnion Countywas partitioned off, and again in 1887 whenMalheur Countywas partitioned off. The county's lines were last adjusted in 1901 when a parcel was added to the county.
Baker County wasnamedforEdward Dickinson Baker,a senator from Oregon who was killed atBall's Bluff,a battle of theCivil WarinVirginiain 1861. The county is part of the county definition ofEastern Oregon.
History
[edit]The first groups from the eastern U.S. following theOregon Trailpassed through the area on their way to theWillamette Valley,unaware of the potential wealth they passed over. At Flagstaff Hill, near Baker City, 15 miles (24 km) of wagon ruts left by immigrants can still be seen.
Oregon Territory achieved statehood in 1859. In 1861 gold was discovered in eastern Wasco County, and a gold rush ensued. The area quickly became the Northwest's largest producer of gold. In September 1862 thestate assemblycreated Baker County fromWasco.Later,Union CountyandMalheur Countywere created from this county. Baker County's boundaries were adjusted for the last time in 1901, when the area between thePowder Riverand theWallowa Mountainswas returned to the county.
Auburnwas the original county seat; a booming mining town with 5,000 inhabitants. Once the gold was mined out Auburn's population dwindled. In 1868 county voters made Baker City the new county seat. Baker City was incorporated in 1874.
The population of Baker County nearly quadrupled from 1880 to 1910, largely due to theSumpter Valley Railroadand several of itsspur lines.The opening of the railroad helped lumber and mining operations develop.[3]
In 1914Fern Hobbs,on behalf of her employerGovernorOswald West,declaredmartial lawin the Baker County city ofCopperfield.This was the first declaration of martial law in the state since theAmerican Civil War.
From 1915 through 1946, Baker County was represented in theOregon State SenatebyWilliam H. Strayer.When he died in 1946, Strayer had served in the Oregon legislature longer then than any person in the state's history.[4]
Geography
[edit]According to theUnited States Census Bureau,the county has a total area of 3,088 square miles (8,000 km2), of which 3,068 square miles (7,950 km2) is land and 20 square miles (52 km2) (0.6%) is water.[5]
The terrain of Baker County is generally rugged, with 30 percent of the county covered with forest. The county's highest point isRed Mountainat around 9,560 feet (2,910 m) ASL,[6][7]located 1.9 miles (3 km) from the county's northern line. The eastern boundary of the county is described by the northward-flowingSnake River,and the county terrain generally slopes to the Snake River's valley.[8]
Adjacent counties
[edit]- Union County- north
- Wallowa County- northeast
- Adams County,Idaho- east/Mountain Time Border
- Washington County,Idaho- southeast/Mountain Time Border
- Malheur County- south/Mountain Time Border
- Grant County- west
National protected areas
[edit]- Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge(part)
- Hells Canyon National Recreation Area(part)
- Malheur National Forest(part)
- Whitman National Forest(part)
Demographics
[edit]Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1870 | 2,804 | — | |
1880 | 4,616 | 64.6% | |
1890 | 6,764 | 46.5% | |
1900 | 15,597 | 130.6% | |
1910 | 18,076 | 15.9% | |
1920 | 17,929 | −0.8% | |
1930 | 16,754 | −6.6% | |
1940 | 18,297 | 9.2% | |
1950 | 16,175 | −11.6% | |
1960 | 17,295 | 6.9% | |
1970 | 14,919 | −13.7% | |
1980 | 16,134 | 8.1% | |
1990 | 15,317 | −5.1% | |
2000 | 16,741 | 9.3% | |
2010 | 16,134 | −3.6% | |
2020 | 16,668 | 3.3% | |
2023 (est.) | 16,912 | [9] | 1.5% |
U.S. Decennial Census[10] 1790–1960,[11]1900–1990,[12] 1990–2000,[13]2010–2020[1] |
2010 census
[edit]As of the2010 census,there were 16,134 people, 7,040 households, and 4,430 families residing in the county.[14]The population density was 5.3 inhabitants per square mile (2.0/km2). There were 8,826 housing units at an average density of 2.9 per square mile (1.1/km2).[15]The racial makeup of the county was 94.6% white, 1.1% American Indian, 0.5% Asian, 0.4% black or African American, 0.1% Pacific islander, 1.0% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.3% of the population.[14]In terms of ancestry, 24.5% wereGerman,14.8% were Irish, 14.6% were English, and 8.1% wereAmerican.[16]
Of the 7,040 households, 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 37.1% were non-families, and 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.78. The median age was 47.9 years.[14]
The median income for a household in the county was $39,704 and the median income for a family was $50,507. Males had a median income of $43,849 versus $30,167 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,683. About 12.7% of families and 19.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.2% of those under age 18 and 10.6% of those age 65 or over.[17]
2000 census
[edit]As of the2000 census,there were 16,741 people, 6,883 households, and 4,680 families in the county. Thepopulation densitywas 6 people per square mile (2.3 people/km2). There were 8,402 housing units at an average density of 3 units per square mile (1.2/km2). The racial makeup of the county was:
- 95.68%White
- 0.23%BlackorAfrican American
- 1.09%Native American
- 0.38%Asian
- 0.04%Pacific Islander
- 0.92% fromother races
- 1.65% from two or more races.
2.34% of the population wereHispanicorLatinoof any race. 18.4% were ofEnglish,17.4%German,11.4%Americanand 9.1%Irishancestry.
There were 6,883 households, out of which 28.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.20% weremarried couplesliving together, 8.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.00% were non-families. 27.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.87.
The county population contained 24.20% under the age of 18, 5.80% from 18 to 24, 23.60% from 25 to 44, 27.30% from 45 to 64, and 19.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 98.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,367, and the median income for a family was $36,106. Males had a median income of $27,133 versus $20,480 for females. Theper capita incomefor the county was $15,612. About 10.10% of families and 14.70% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 18.80% of those under age 18 and 12.40% of those age 65 or over.
Politics
[edit]Like all counties in eastern Oregon, the majority of registered voters who are part of apolitical partyin Baker County are members of theRepublican Party.Lyndon Johnsonin 1964 was the last Democrat to carry the county in a presidential election.Jimmy Carterin 1976 was the closest any Democrat in a presidential election came to carrying Baker County since, when he lost it by only 34 votes. In the2008 presidential election,64.37% of Baker County voters voted for RepublicanJohn McCain,while 31.95% voted forDemocratBarack Obamaand 3.66% of voters either voted for aThird Partycandidate orwrote in a candidate.[18]These numbers have changed slightly from the2004 presidential election,in which 69.2% voted forGeorge W. Bush,while 29% voted forJohn Kerry,and 1.8% of voters either voted for a Third Party candidate or wrote in a candidate.[19]
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 7,352 | 74.02% | 2,346 | 23.62% | 234 | 2.36% |
2016 | 6,218 | 70.83% | 1,797 | 20.47% | 764 | 8.70% |
2012 | 5,702 | 67.50% | 2,369 | 28.04% | 377 | 4.46% |
2008 | 5,650 | 64.37% | 2,805 | 31.96% | 322 | 3.67% |
2004 | 6,253 | 69.22% | 2,616 | 28.96% | 165 | 1.83% |
2000 | 5,618 | 68.03% | 2,195 | 26.58% | 445 | 5.39% |
1996 | 3,975 | 51.60% | 2,547 | 33.07% | 1,181 | 15.33% |
1992 | 2,862 | 38.01% | 2,395 | 31.81% | 2,273 | 30.19% |
1988 | 3,696 | 54.15% | 2,896 | 42.43% | 234 | 3.43% |
1984 | 5,204 | 66.62% | 2,591 | 33.17% | 17 | 0.22% |
1980 | 4,747 | 59.24% | 2,515 | 31.39% | 751 | 9.37% |
1976 | 3,340 | 48.27% | 3,306 | 47.78% | 273 | 3.95% |
1972 | 3,441 | 55.32% | 2,047 | 32.91% | 732 | 11.77% |
1968 | 3,311 | 52.93% | 2,464 | 39.39% | 480 | 7.67% |
1964 | 2,670 | 40.55% | 3,903 | 59.27% | 12 | 0.18% |
1960 | 3,514 | 48.46% | 3,734 | 51.50% | 3 | 0.04% |
1956 | 3,706 | 51.93% | 3,431 | 48.07% | 0 | 0.00% |
1952 | 4,253 | 62.20% | 2,562 | 37.47% | 23 | 0.34% |
1948 | 2,841 | 47.04% | 3,035 | 50.25% | 164 | 2.72% |
1944 | 2,494 | 44.21% | 3,116 | 55.24% | 31 | 0.55% |
1940 | 3,101 | 41.39% | 4,353 | 58.09% | 39 | 0.52% |
1936 | 1,768 | 24.72% | 4,991 | 69.79% | 392 | 5.48% |
1932 | 2,097 | 31.42% | 4,420 | 66.23% | 157 | 2.35% |
1928 | 3,721 | 65.52% | 1,861 | 32.77% | 97 | 1.71% |
1924 | 2,803 | 45.41% | 2,004 | 32.47% | 1,365 | 22.12% |
1920 | 3,495 | 58.63% | 2,171 | 36.42% | 295 | 4.95% |
1916 | 2,541 | 37.16% | 3,897 | 56.99% | 400 | 5.85% |
1912 | 648 | 17.58% | 1,395 | 37.85% | 1,643 | 44.57% |
1908 | 1,689 | 46.79% | 1,596 | 44.21% | 325 | 9.00% |
1904 | 1,990 | 59.76% | 938 | 28.17% | 402 | 12.07% |
Economy
[edit]Gold miningwas the original impetus for settlement in the area, and at one time the county was the largest gold producer in the Northwest. Gold dredging was conducted with theSumpter Valley Gold Dredge.With the exhaustion of the gold fields, agriculture, stock raising, logging became the primary economic pursuits. In the last decades of the 20th century, tourism also contributed to the local economy, helped by attractions such as Eagle Cap Wilderness Area,Hells Canyon National Recreation Area,andAnthony Lakes Ski Area.TheNational Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Centeropened in 1993.
Portions of Season 11 ofDiscovery'sTV showGold Rushwas filmed in Baker County.[22]
Communities
[edit]Incorporated cities
[edit]- Baker City(county seat)
- Greenhorn
- Haines
- Halfway
- Huntington
- Richland
- Sumpter
- Unity
Unincorporated communities
[edit]Ghost towns
[edit]Education
[edit]School districts include:[23]
- Baker School District 5J
- Burnt River School District 30J
- Huntington School District 16J
- North Powder School District 8J
- Pine-Eagle School District 61
Most of Baker County is within theBlue Mountain Community Collegedistrict, while a portion is in theTreasure Valley Community Collegedistrict.[24]
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ab"State & County QuickFacts".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedMay 20,2023.
- ^"Find a County".National Association of Counties. Archived fromthe originalon May 31, 2011.RetrievedJune 7,2011.
- ^William G. Robbins,Landscapes of Promise: The Oregon Story, 1800–1940.Seattle WA: University of Washington Press, 1997; p. 142.
- ^Loew, Tracy and Jonathan Bach"Peter Courtney Keeps Senate Seat, Shattering Record for Longest Serving Oregon Legislator",Statesman Journal,Salem, Oregon, November 6, 2018.
- ^"2010 Census Gazetteer Files".United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 25,2015.
- ^Red Mountain ID (peakbagger.com, accessed November 9, 2019)
- ^"What's the Highest Point in each of Oregon's 36 Counties?" (oregonlive.com, accessed November 9, 2019)
- ^"Baker County OR" (Google Maps, accessed November 9, 2019)
- ^"Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedMarch 24,2024.
- ^"U.S. Decennial Census".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedFebruary 25,2015.
- ^"Historical Census Browser".University of Virginia Library.RetrievedFebruary 25,2015.
- ^Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995)."Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedFebruary 25,2015.
- ^"Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000"(PDF).United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on February 26, 2015.RetrievedFebruary 25,2015.
- ^abc"Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data".United States Census Bureau. Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 23,2016.
- ^"Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County".United States Census Bureau. Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 23,2016.
- ^"Selected Social Characteristics in the US – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates".United States Census Bureau. Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 23,2016.
- ^"Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates".United States Census Bureau. Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 23,2016.
- ^"Baker County, Oregon, November 4, 2008, Election (Official Results)".www1.bakercounty.org.RetrievedApril 21,2009.
- ^"Baker County, Oregon detailed profile - houses, real estate, cost of living, wages, work, agriculture, ancestries, and more".www.city-data.com.RetrievedApril 11,2018.
- ^"Oregon Secretary of State: Election Statistics".sos.oregon.gov.RetrievedDecember 10,2018.
- ^Leip, David."Atlas of US Presidential Elections".uselectionatlas.org.RetrievedApril 11,2018.
- ^Oregonian/OregonLive, Kristi Turnquist | The (October 29, 2020)."Another Northwest miner joins 'Gold Rush,' looking for gold in Oregon".oregonlive.RetrievedMarch 3,2021.
- ^"2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Baker County, OR"(PDF).United States Census Bureau.Archived(PDF)from the original on October 9, 2022.RetrievedJuly 18,2022.- [2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Baker County, OR Text list]
- ^"Oregon Community Colleges and Community College Districts"(PDF).Oregon Department of Community Colleges & Workforce Development.Archived(PDF)from the original on October 9, 2022.RetrievedJuly 17,2022.
Further reading
[edit]- Baker County Historical Society,The History of Baker County, Oregon.Portland OR: Baker County Historical Society, 1986.
- Eloise Dielman, Jon Croghan, and Gary Dielman,Baker County Links to the Past.Baker City OR: Baker County Historical Society, 2001.
- Gary Dielman,"Discovering Gold in Baker County Library's Photograph Collection,"ArchivedMarch 4, 2016, at theWayback MachineOregon Historical Quarterly,vol. 109, no. 1 (Spring 2008).
- Ruth H. Evans,Centennial Pioneer Families of Baker County.n.c.: n.p., c. 1974.
- Isaac Hiatt,Thirty-one years in Baker County: A History of the County from 1861 to 1893.Baker OR: Baker County Historical Society, 1970.
- Gordon Stewart and Patricia Stewart,Baker County Sketch Book.n.c.: n.p., 1956.
- An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, with a Brief Outline of the Early History of the State of Oregon.Chicago: Western Historical Publishing Company, 1902.
- Turnbull, George S. (1939).Binfords & Mort. . .
- The History of Baker County, Oregon, 1986.Portland, Oregon: Baker County Historical Society, 1986.