Definition

A city in Baker County, Oregon, named after Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The spelling was altered from 'Sumter' to 'Sumpter' when the post office was established, possibly to match the word for a pack animal.

Example Usage

The historic mining town of Sumpter, Oregon, still stands as a reminder of the gold rush era.

Origin

Named in 1862 by Confederate settlers after Fort Sumter, South Carolina; the spelling was changed by postmaster Joseph D. Young, possibly influenced by the archaic word 'sumpter' meaning a pack animal.

Fun Fact

Sumpter was once called the 'Queen City' during the gold rush boom but later became a ghost town.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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