Baker City is a community steeped with tradition and history.
Granted its city charter in 1870, Baker City was once considered to be the premier social center along the Oregon Trail and once boasted the largest population of any city in the state of Oregon. During an era when gold mining was the norm, Baker City was born as a support center for the surrounding gold mining towns. With such towns as Auburn, Sumpter, and Sparta close by, Baker City soon became the focal point of activity. These days, Baker City has quieted down a bit. Gone are the bawdy houses and dancing girls, the wild saloons and even wilder people.