Edward Dickinson Baker Day

Edward Dickinson Baker Day is observed annually on February 24. This commemorative day in the state of Oregon honors the life and legacy of a prominent lawyer, orator, and politician who served as a United States Senator. Established to recognize his contributions to the state and his ultimate sacrifice during the American Civil War, the date coincides with the anniversary of his birth in 1811.

History of Edward Dickinson Baker Day

Edward Dickinson Baker was a close personal friend of Abraham Lincoln and a versatile public figure who lived in Illinois and California before moving to Oregon in 1860. In Oregon, he was quickly elected to the U.S. Senate, where he became a fierce advocate for the Union and an opponent of slavery. His reputation as a powerful orator earned him the nickname “The Gray Eagle.” When the Civil War broke out, Baker took the unusual step of raising a volunteer regiment while still serving in the Senate, effectively balancing his legislative duties with military command.

The official designation of the holiday occurred in 2011, when Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber signed Senate Bill 809 into law. This legislative action was the result of efforts by historical societies and descendants of Union veterans who sought to formalize Baker’s place in Oregon’s history. The day specifically honors the fact that Baker remains the only sitting U.S. Senator ever killed in a military engagement, having fallen during the Battle of Ball’s Bluff in October 1861. His death was a significant national event that led to the creation of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War.

Why is Edward Dickinson Baker Day important?

This day is important because it highlights the unique intersection of legislative service and military duty in American history. Baker’s life story reflects the migratory and ambitious spirit of 19th-century America, as he moved across the country to influence the political landscape of three different states. In Oregon, he is remembered for providing the newly formed state with a powerful voice in Washington D.C. during a period of extreme national instability. His commitment to the Union helped ensure that the Pacific Coast remained aligned with the federal government during the secession crisis.

The observance also serves as a reminder of the personal costs associated with the Civil War and the development of the American West. By commemorating Baker’s birth, the state of Oregon preserves the memory of its early political pioneers and their role in shaping the nation’s democratic institutions. It encourages residents to explore the history of Baker City and Baker County, both of which are named in his honor. The day provides a specific moment to reflect on the values of patriotism and public service that Baker exemplified throughout his varied career.

• It recognizes the only U.S. Senator to die in combat while in office
• The day honors a lifelong friendship that influenced President Abraham Lincoln
• It highlights Oregon’s political contributions during the American Civil War
• The holiday promotes the study of 19th-century oratory and legal history
• It acknowledges the naming origins of major geographic locations in Oregon

How to Celebrate Edward Dickinson Baker Day

Celebrating this day often involves visiting the historical sites and counties that bear his name to learn more about early Oregonian history. Enthusiasts of the Civil War era may use the day to read transcripts of Baker’s famous speeches, such as his reply to Senator John C. Breckinridge, which is considered a masterpiece of American oratory. Local history museums and libraries in Salem and Baker City often feature displays or digital archives that document his military service and his rapid rise in the Republican Party during the 1860s.

For a more personal observance, individuals can explore the connection between Baker and the Lincoln family, perhaps by visiting local landmarks that highlight the 19th-century political network. Schools in the region may use the date to discuss the importance of civic engagement and the evolution of the U.S. Senate. While it is not a public holiday involving business closures, it is a day for flags to be displayed and for residents to take pride in the historic figures who helped establish the state’s early political identity.

• Read a biography or watch a documentary about Baker’s military and political life
• Visit Baker City or Baker County to explore the local monuments and history
• Share a quote from one of Baker’s orations on social media to honor his skill
• Look for historical markers in Oregon that commemorate early state leaders
• Research the Battle of Ball’s Bluff to understand the context of his sacrifice

Edward Dickinson Baker Day Dates Table