Baker County is a county in the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,259. Its county seat is Macclenny. The county was founded in 1861 and is named for James McNair Baker, a judge and Confederate Senator. Baker County is included in the Jacksonville, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. In 1864, the Battle of Olustee, which was the only major American Civil War battle in Florida, was fought near Lake City in Baker County. History Baker County was founded in 1861. It was named for James McNair Baker (1821–1892), a judge and Confederate senator. In 1864 the Battle of Olustee was fought near Lake City in Baker County. This was the only major American Civil War battle in Florida. Much of the area was originally covered with pine flatwoods and cypress swamps, as was Columbia County to the west. Parts of both counties are included in Osceola National Forest. A lumber industry developed here, with sawmills constructed along rivers and waterways, where lumber was brought out by water. Turpentine was also produced. These industries employed many African American laborers. Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (0.6%) is water. The extreme northern part of the county lies within the Okefenokee Swamp and its federally protected areas. The St. Mary's River passes through Baker and numerous other counties. The St. Marys River is a remote blackwater river, rising in southeastern Georgia and flowing into northeastern Florida, where it forms the easternmost border between the two states. Adjacent counties Charlton County, Georgia - north Ware County, Georgia - north Nassau County, Florida - northeast Duval County, Florida - east Clay County, Florida - southeast Union County, Florida - south Bradford County, Florida - south Columbia County, Florida - west Clinch County, Georgia - northwest National protected areas Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (part) Osceola National Forest (part) Major highways Demographics As of the 2020 United States census, there were 28,259 people, 8,828 households, and 6,448 families residing in the county. As of the census of 2000, there were 22,259 people, 7,043 households, and 5,599 families residing in the county. The population density was . There were 7,592 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 84.04% White, 13.92% Black or African American, 0.38% Native