Elisha Baxter (September 1, 1827 – May 31, 1899) was an American businessman and politician who served as the 10th governor of Arkansas from 1873 to 1874.

He sought and obtained an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

He ran a successful mercantile business in Rutherford County with his brother-in-law Spenser Eaves.

In 1852, Baxter moved to Batesville, Arkansas, and opened a mercantile business with his brother, Taylor.

One year later he was elected as state representative from Independence County to the tenth general assembly.

He was captured, brought back to Little Rock, and charged with treason, only to escape later before his trial could take place.

[3]When Baxter returned to Batesville, he organized the 4th Arkansas Mounted Infantry for the Union and commanded it until he was named a State Supreme Court judge by Governor Murphy in the Spring 1864.

He escaped north and joined the 4th Arkansas Mounted Infantry (Union), serving as colonel of the regiment.

[5] He and William Meade Fishback were chosen by the new legislature in May 1864 as the two U.S. senators from Arkansas, but in February 1865, their admission was denied by congressional Republicans displeased with Lincoln for trying to restore Southern representation in Congress so easily.

[7] Baxter was physically removed from the governor's office by Brooks and state militia loyal to him.