Spokane history

The history of Spokane, like that of many American cities, begins long before the arrival of Europeans. These lands were home to the Spokane Native American tribe, a name meaning "Children of the Sun". It is to this tribe that the city owes its name. The first European settlement, the "Spokane House" trading post, was founded in 1810 and served as the centre of the fur trade in the region for 16 years. However, the modern city, originally named Spokane Falls, was established in 1871 by James N. Glover and officially incorporated in 1881.

Key Stages of Development

A number of key factors contributed to the rapid growth and establishment of Spokane:

• The Railway: The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1881 turned Spokane into a major transport hub, triggering a sharp influx of settlers.
• Natural Resources: Its location on the Spokane River with its waterfalls was ideal for sawmills and electricity generation. Additionally, in the late 19th century, rich deposits of gold and silver were discovered in the vicinity, making the city the centre of the region's mining industry.
• The Great Fire of 1889: On 4 August 1889, a devastating fire destroyed the central part of the city, which consisted primarily of wooden structures. This tragic event, however, served as a catalyst for massive rebuilding: a new centre of brick and stone in an elegant Romanesque Revival style rose from the ashes of the burnt buildings.

In 1891, the city officially changed its name from "Spokane Falls" to "Spokane". Thanks to its favourable location, the development of the transport network, and the abundance of natural resources, Spokane quickly transformed into the economic and cultural hub of the so-called "Inland Northwest".

Timeline of Spokane's History

• 1810 — The "Spokane House" trading post is founded by the North West Company, becoming the first long-term European settlement in the region.
• 1826 — "Spokane House" is closed, and the fur trade centre moves to a more convenient location.
• 1871 — James N. Glover founds the settlement of Spokane Falls on the site of the modern city.
• 1881 — The settlement of Spokane Falls officially receives city status, and the completion of the Northern Pacific Railway triggers its rapid growth.
• 1883 — The transcontinental railway reaches the region, and the discovery of gold deposits in Coeur d'Alene turns the city into a vital supply centre.
• 1889 — The Great Fire destroys 32 blocks of the city centre, built mainly of wood.
• 1891 — The city is officially renamed from "Spokane Falls" to "Spokane".
• 1892 — Another major railway line — the Great Northern Railway — passes through the city, strengthening its status as a transport hub.
• 1909 — Sonora Smart Dodd initiates the celebration of the first Father's Day, which subsequently became a national holiday in the USA.
• 1974 — Spokane hosts the World's Fair "Expo '74", dedicated to the environment, leading to the massive reconstruction of the city centre and the creation of Riverfront Park.

Key Milestones in Spokane's Development in the 20th-21st Centuries

Having crossed the threshold of its early industrial formation, Spokane underwent significant cultural, social, and economic transformations in the 20th and 21st centuries. These modern milestones have defined its current image as a dynamic regional centre, known not only for its past but also for its vibrant present.

• Birthplace of Father's Day (1910): One of Spokane's most famous cultural contributions to American history was the origin of the Father's Day tradition. Local resident Sonora Smart Dodd, wishing to honour her single father, proposed establishing a special day in 1909. Her initiative was supported, and the first-ever Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane on 19 June 1910, eventually leading to the recognition of the holiday at the national level.
• Legacy of "Expo '74" and Downtown Transformation: The World's Fair on the theme of ecology did not just become a landmark event but also launched a process of long-term urban renewal. The reclamation of industrial zones and the creation of Riverfront Park on the site of former railway tracks set a new vector for development. This impulse led to the appearance of modern concert venues in the city centre, such as the Pavilion at Riverfront, and turned the waterfront into the city's main public space.
• Establishment as an Educational and Medical Hub: Beginning in the second half of the 20th century, Spokane strengthened its status as an important centre for higher education and healthcare. A leading role in this is played by Gonzaga University, as well as the health sciences campus of Washington State University. The development of these institutions contributed to the growth of the entire medical sector, which is today one of the foundations of the city's economy.
• Cultural and Social Revival: Modern Spokane is known for its active cultural life and large-scale public events. The city is home to popular music venues such as the Knitting Factory Concert House and the Bing Crosby Theater, attracting artists from around the world. Furthermore, annual events such as the massive Bloomsday Run and the world's largest streetball tournament, Hoopfest, gather hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators, shaping the city's modern and energetic image.

The architectural appearance of Spokane is a visual history of its development, from the boom at the turn of the century to modern trends in urban planning. Key historical events, such as the Great Fire of 1889 and the World's Fair "Expo '74", have left an indelible mark on the urban landscape, forming its eclectic and memorable style.

Post-Fire Renaissance Era: Romanesque Revival Style

The Great Fire of 1889 destroyed most of the city centre, which consisted of wooden buildings. This event triggered massive construction using brick and stone. The dominant style of this era became the Romanesque Revival, characterised by massive forms, rounded arches, and rich brickwork. This style symbolised the strength and durability of the reborn city. Vivid examples include historical buildings in the centre, as well as the monumental Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes. During this same period, the famous architect Kirtland Cutter began his work, designing many iconic buildings, including the luxurious Patsy Clark Mansion.

Early 20th Century: Eclecticism and Classicism

During the economic boom of the early 20th century, Spokane's architecture was enriched with new styles. In residential areas, such as the historic Browne's Addition district, elegant mansions appeared in Queen Anne, Tudor Revival, and Colonial Revival styles. Public and commercial buildings were constructed under the influence of Neoclassicism and the Beaux-Arts style. An iconic object of this era is The Davenport Hotel, executed in the Spanish Renaissance style and becoming a symbol of the city's prosperity.

Modernism and "Expo '74"

In the mid-20th century, a "golden age of architecture" arrived in Spokane, associated with the Modernist movement. The city attracted talented architects who created a number of innovative buildings for their time. One of the most notable is the Washington Water Power central service complex (now Avista Utilities), recognised in its time as one of the best buildings in the USA. The culmination of this era was the World's Fair "Expo '74", which radically transformed the city centre. Riverfront Park was created on the site of industrial zones and railway tracks, and exhibition pavilions, such as the Washington State Pavilion (The Pavilion) and the Opera House, became new architectural landmarks and symbols of modern Spokane.

Notable People Connected to Spokane

The city of Spokane, with its rich history and cultural life, has become the birthplace or an important life stage for many famous figures. From pioneers in the arts to sports legends, here are some of the iconic figures whose names are inextricably linked with this city.

• Bing Crosby — singer and actor. One of the most successful and influential artists of the 20th century, Crosby moved to Spokane in early childhood. It was here, within the walls of Gonzaga University, that he began his musical career. His childhood was spent in a house that is now a museum, and one of the city's theatres bears his name.
• Sonora Smart Dodd — public figure. She is credited with founding Father's Day. In 1909, wishing to honour her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children alone, she proposed establishing this holiday. The first ceremony took place in Spokane on 19 June 1910, marking the beginning of a global tradition.
• John Stockton — basketball player. Born and raised in Spokane, he graduated from Gonzaga University. He is considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. He spent his entire 19-year career with the Utah Jazz, setting league records for assists and steals that remain unbroken to this day.
• Craig T. Nelson — actor. Born in Spokane on 4 April 1944. He is known for his leading roles in the sitcom "Coach", for which he won an Emmy Award, and in the films "Poltergeist", as well as the voice of Mr. Incredible in the animated film "The Incredibles". Nelson graduated from Lewis and Clark High School and always speaks warmly of his childhood in Spokane.
• Sherman Alexie — writer, poet, and screenwriter. Alexie, a member of the Spokane indigenous people, grew up on a reservation near the city. His work, including the famous novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" and the screenplay for the film "Smoke Signals", is largely based on personal experience and explores the life of modern Native Americans. He studied at Gonzaga University and is considered one of the key voices in contemporary American literature.
• Julia Sweeney — actress and comedian. Born and raised in Spokane, she gained fame as a cast member of the popular TV show "Saturday Night Live". Her humorous style and monologues often touch upon personal themes, and her experience growing up in Spokane has influenced her work.