Did you know that the first African American to arrive in King County came ashore in 1852, just months after the Denny Party landed at Alki Beach?

Manuel Lopes was an adventurous African-born sailor from New Bedford, Massachusetts, who made the long voyage from the East Coast around the Horn to the cool waters of the Puget Sound, where he joined the small band of settlers. In this tiny settlement of hardy pioneers, Lopes started a business in today's Pioneer Square. For the next century and a half, black residents of King County have made significant contributions to the growth of our region.

King County is proud to celebrate Black History, and encourages you to learn more about our rich African American heritage. On this site, you can learn more about Black History and find sources for further research; learn about events in commemoration of Black History Month; and visit a "virtual gallery" featuring a few highlights of art by African American artists included in the public collections of King County.

And after your visit, why not explore your own community's history to find out more about the role and contributions of black residents? Like the pioneer Manuel Lopes, you, too, can embark on a voyage of discovery!

Ron Sims
King County Executive

Also see:

• Remembering Dr. King — a celebration of his life
• King County Executive Ron Sims' 2005 Black History Month Proclamation

Our thanks to the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) for allowing the use of images from their collection on this site.

2005 Black History Month Proclamation

City dogcatcher and truck
Sept. 14, 1921
Photographer: Webster & Stevens
Learn more about this image on the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) Web site. (external link)

Women at work in a commercial laundry
ca. 1949
Photographer: Webster & Stevens
Learn more about this image on the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) Web site. (external link)

Uniformed dining car waiters on the Empire Builder
ca. Feb. 20, 1947
Photographer: Clarence J. Rote
Learn more about this image on the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) Web site. (external link)

Updated: Feb. 1, 2005