Fort Baker was established by Col. Francis J. Lippitt, commander of the Humboldt Military District as one of a number of posts to protect the settlers. It was the center of continued aggressive patrolling that finally forced Lassic and his Wailaki band to surrender on July 31, 1862, at Fort Baker. More of his warriors plus those of other bands came in on August 10 and the 212 captured Indians at Fort Baker were sent to join 462 others at Fort Humboldt. After the 850 captured hostiles were sent to the Smith River Reservation it was believed the war was nearly over. However Lassic and other warriors escaped and the war continued.