Clark County, Washington

Clark County was the first county in Washington, and was named for William Clark, of Lewis & Clark fame. Originally spelled "Clarke," the final "e" was dropped in 1925. The county was established in 1845 as Vancouver County, and at the time made up the entire area that is currently the state of Washington. In 1849 the county was renamed Clarke County by the Oregon Territorial Government. Originally, Washington and Idaho and parts of British Columbia made up the Oregon Territory. In 1859, when Oregon became a state, Washington Territory was created. Washington achieved statehood in November, 1889.