Charles Duncan "C. D." Baker (1901-1972) was instrumental for the expansion and development of Las Vegas, Nevada, especially during his time as mayor of the city from 1951 to 1959. He was born on February 26, 1901 in Terra Haute, Indiana. He received a Bachelor's of Science in civil engineering from the Rose Polytechnic Institution and went to work for the Indiana Highway Department. He moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to teach math and coach basketball in 1922.