In 1879, the town was founded by George W. Ames of Seattle, and platted in 1890. In 1888, the name was chosen by George Ames, when a post office was established. It was not for the abundant western maple trees in the area, but for the Maple family (Jacob and Samuel), who settled on the Duwamish River before the Denny party arrived at Alki Point. Today Maple Valley is like many other suburban communities surrounding Seattle, Bellevue and Renton. But Maple Valley’s surrounding lakes, streams, woods, and parks, along with abundant wildlife, gives the community a very rural feel.