The Soothsayers of the Oregon Territory

On this date, the Oregon Territorial Legislature created King County in what is now Washington State. Probably most amazingly, it is named for the yet to be born Martin Luther King Jr. Absolutely amazing isn't it? Think about it, this happened in 1852, so the Emancipation Proclamation was still 11 years away. I told you it was amazing. Actually, King County was once named for the Vice President elect, William Rufus DeVane King, one of the largest slave holders in Alabama. It was said that his family owed more than 500 slaves. William Rufus was cast to the side in 2005, partially because he was a slave owner. William was Franklin Pierce's Vice President for 45 days, prior to his death. Pierce County was created that same day in 1852 and is actually still named for Franklin Pierce, even though he was pro slavery. Jefferson County is named for Thomas Jefferson, statesmen and slave owner, of course this state is named for George Washington, father of our nation and slave owner. Isn't it about time we renamed the State for Booker T. or Denzel? Or should history stand on it's own merrits.