On December 22, 1852, the Territorial Legislature of Oregon determined
that Thurston County, which stretched from Olympia to the Canadian
border and from the Cascades to the Pacific Ocean, was far too large. In
response, the legislature portioned out of it King, Jefferson and
Pierce County. The legislature also passed laws appointing the first
county officers and located the county seat at Steilacoom, which was
chosen largely because it was the only town in Washington with its own
jail.
Learn more about Pierce County History >>>