John Harte McGraw

Historical marker location:
501 Stewart Street, Seattle, Washington
( Marker is on Stewart Street near Westlake Avenue, on the left when traveling south.)

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The Grand Coulee Dam, located on the Columbia River in central Washington, is the largest hydropower project in the United States and was once the largest concrete structure in the world.
King County, Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest, is rich in history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by the Duwamish and other Native American tribes who relied on the abundant natural resources for their livelihood. In the late 18th century, European explorers, such as Captain George Vancouver, began to explore and map the area.

In the mid-19th century, European settlers arrived in the area, attracted by the vast timber resources and potential for agriculture. As more settlers arrived, the population grew, and the community of Seattle was established in 1851. The County was named after Vice President William R. King, who served under President Franklin Pierce.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region experienced significant economic growth, largely due to the timber industry and the Klondike Gold Rush. Seattle became a major transportation hub, connecting the Pacific Northwest to the rest of the country through railroad and shipping routes. The city also saw the emergence of industries such as fishing, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.

In the mid-20th century, King County became a major center for technology and aerospace industries. Companies like Boeing and Microsoft found their roots in the region, leading to a population boom and economic prosperity. Today, King County is known for its vibrant city life in Seattle with its thriving arts and culture scene, renowned coffee culture, and a hub for technology and innovation. The county also offers an abundance of natural beauty with its mountains, lakes, and national parks, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of King County, Washington.

  • 1852 - King County is established as a county in the Washington Territory
  • 1853 - Seattle is founded as a town in King County
  • 1872 - The Great Seattle Fire destroys much of downtown Seattle
  • 1889 - The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 leads to the city's rapid rebuilding using brick and stone instead of wood
  • 1912 - The opening of the Lake Washington Ship Canal connects Lake Washington and Puget Sound
  • 1962 - Seattle hosts the Century 21 Exposition, also known as the Seattle World's Fair
  • 1970 - The Boeing Company becomes a major employer in King County
  • 1990 - King County surpasses the one million population mark
  • 2001 - The Nisqually earthquake causes damage in parts of King County
  • 2007 - The opening of the Link light rail system, the first in the county