Seattle University Law Library

King County was so named long before Martin Luther King was born. It was originally named after Vice President William Rufus de Vane King. In 2005, the Washington legislature enacted a law changing the county’s namesake to civil rights leader, Dr. King. In 2006, the County Council changed the county logo to reflect that change. You can find out more about William R. King and the process of the change at the county’s website.