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150 years of self-governance

From the earliest days, the history of King County government is interwoven with local cities, the Puget Sound region, and the state.

For almost two decades after its formation in 1852, King County was the only local government in this corner of the Pacific Northwest. Even the state government did not exist until 1889. Three characteristics of King County government were shaped and put firmly into place during those early years — local diversity, local option and local control. From the beginning, King County, along with other Washington Territory counties took the initiative in establishing numerous ordinances that managed their county according to local preference.

Today, at the beginning of the 21st century, King County continues to be deeply involved with an array of ongoing issues that stimulate considerable public debate about our quality of life. Whether it's the public transportation that takes you to work or the wastewater that leaves your home, there are few aspects of everyday living in this region not influenced by King County government.

• For an in-depth historical perspective of how King County citizens have governed themselves since 1852, read History of King County Government 1852 - 2002 by Kay F. Reinartz, Ph.D (download Acrobat PDF file - 56k).