I've lived here for 10 years, and I've asked a number of life long residents what King County was named before it was changed to King County.
Each of them looked confused and said, “It's always been King County.”
I even Googled it several times trying to find the “original” name - but, no luck.
I just read the Wikipedia entry on Vice President William King.
He died in office, in 1853, when Washington state was still part of the Oregon Territory.
“King” County was named in his honor, and it was the part of the Oregon Territory that today includes Seattle.
Vice President William King's family actually owned 500 slaves on their large cotton plantation in Alabama!
The state AND the county were named after slave owners.
But, times change, and Seattle Leftists may have to soften their hearts against William King and restore his namesake County to its rightful owner.
Why?
A number of historians believe that William King was gay and had a 20 year relationship with President James Buchanan.
Somebody tell our gay Mayor, Ed Murray!