Spokane is a city rich in history and culture.  The area was originally a gathering place and settlement for Native Americans due to the fertile hunting grounds and high concentration of Salmon.  The Spokane Tribe inhabited much of the area around Spokane Falls.  Eventually, white fur traders came to the area and in 1810 and trading post, the Spokane House, was established.  The Oregon treaty was signed in 1846 and American Settlers began claiming land in the area near the Falls in 1871.  In October of 1880, Camp Spokane was established and U.S. Army troops were stationed in the area in order to protect the construction of the Northern Pacific Railway.  Once the railway was completed, settlers began flocking to the area and the city of Spokan Falls was established (officially incorporated in 1881 as a city of 350 residents).     

In August of 1889, a fire ravished most of the downtown area.  32 blocks were destroyed.  While the blow was devastating, Spokane continued to grow.  Downtown was re-built and the cities name was change from Spokan Falls to Spokane.  The Great Northern Railway came to the area three years after the fire.  The presence of both railroads made Spokane a hub of commerce for the Inland Northwest.  

The city continued to grow and quickly became the heart of the Inland Northwest.  In the 1960’s, a group of Spokane’s citizens decided to clean up downtown in the hopes of bringing the World’s Fair to Spokane.  The area surrounding the Falls was reclaimed and cleaned up and in 1974, the World’s fair, known as the 1974 Expo, came to Spokane.  What we now know as Riverfront Park, exist today as a reminder of the World’s Fair and has been a local gathering place ever since. 

Through the years, Spokane has remained the commercial center for the Inland Northwest.  As you walk through downtown, you’ll see many reminders of Spokane’s rich history in the buildings and architecture.  The central position Spokane holds between 3 states and 2 Canadian provinces makes it a destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.  The city also attracts numerous outdoor enthusiasts with it’s proximity to 5 ski resorts, endless hiking trails, and water sports opportunities on the river.  

In recent years, the growth of Fairchild Airforce base has attracted many more families to the area.  Spokane is expected to continue growing as the new Amazon fulfillment center opens and an electric car company establishes a plant in the west plains.