SPOKANE
Spokane is the second largest city in Washington, and is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest. Spokane is the hub of activity that covers this large region - Eastern Washington, Eastern Oregon, North Idaho, Western Montana, and southern portions of Alberta and British Columbia – providing business, transportation services, education, entertainment, shopping and dining, cultural events, and medical and hospital services to the Inland Northwest. At the center of Spokane is the beautiful Riverfront area, which showcases the dramatic Spokane River and includes many attractions. Spokane offers affordable real estate, skilled workforce, and an excellent quality of life. Combined with low operation costs, a world-class telecommunications infrastructure, and a progressive business climate, Spokane is also an ideal business center.
Spokane is awash with examples of historic homes and estates dating from the1800s, which attract visitors interested in beautiful architecture and historical legends. Of note are homes designed by the renowned architect Kirtland Kelsey Cutter, as well as interesting and beautiful buildings constructed by inheritors of the immense wealth supplied by the gold and silver mines.
Spokane affords visitors and resident alike a panorama of entertainment, cultural, and outdoor events. Allegro Baroque & Beyond Allegro produces professional period-music concerts and related arts events for the people of the Inland Northwest and beyond. The Spokane Opera House, a legacy from the 1974 World Fair held in Spokane, is an elegant edifice which hosts various events such as symphony concerts, ballet, grand opera, road shows, country and rock music spectaculars, musical stage productions, travelogues, conventions, and lectures. The Spokane Convention Center, soon nearing completion of expansion, will give Spokane top billing for major national and regional conventions, expositions and trade shows.
Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane covers more than 100 acres and features flower-filled walking paths, the gondola ride over the Spokane River, spacious lawns, the Pavilion, the hand-carved 1909 Looff Carousel, and a variety of public art and sculpture displays. The beautiful Spokane River spills into lush waterways in the Park, and is also popular with kayakers and rafters up and down its length.
Lovers of nature delight in the many outdoor adventures surrounding Spokane: downhill and cross-country skiing, white-water rafting, kayaking, camping areas, hiking trails, numerous lakes, and the Centennial Trail. Lovers of festivals and celebrations flock to Spokane: the Spokane Hoopfest is the world's largest street basketball festival; the Lilac Bloomsday Run, Spokane's premier 12k run, is held annually in May; the Spokane Lilac Festival has been a tradition in “The Lilac City” since 1938.
LOCATION
Spokane is located on the east side of Washington State 18 miles west of the Idaho state line and 110 miles south of the Canadian border. Spokane is the largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis, and serves as the hub of the Inland Northwest - a 36-county region encompassing Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, Western Montana, Northeastern Oregon and parts of Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. Interstates 2 and 395 (north/south) and I-90 (east/west) run through or around Spokane’s borders. The cities nearest to Spokane are Town and Country (3.4 miles), Country Homes (5.0 miles), and Fairwood, (6.3 miles).
TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS
Spokane International Airport, located southwest of Spokane, is the second largest airport in the State of Washington. It is served by ten airlines and three air cargo carriers, and offers the requisite transportation, parking and shuttle services.
Spokane Transit provides bus, paratransit, and vanpool transportation serving the Spokane area. The organization is responsive to residents’ changing needs and requirements, soliciting their comments and opinions on transportation issues.
HISTORY
Spokane County is located on the western slopes of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains along the Idaho-Washington border. East of the Cascade Mountains, it was first settled by the "Spokanes"--Native Americans who fished for salmon along the banks of the Spokane River. Immigrants soon came, attracted by the wildlife, fertile soil, mines, forests, and of course the mighty Spokane Falls. Spokane is known as the heart of the Inland Northwest, the city situated along the Spokane River and the Falls.
Spokane is An Indian word meaning "Children of the Sun" or "Sun People".
Spokane provided an ideal trading location due to its proximity to the Columbia River and therefore the Pacific Ocean. The city’s history probably started in 1810, with the building of the fur trading post for the North West Trading Company. This was quickly followed by the establishment of a competing post owned by the Pacific Fur Company. However, the initial post was moved closer to the Columbia River in 1821 when North West Trading and Hudson Bay Companies merged.
The origins of Spokane can be traced to the year 1873 when James Glover purchased 158-acres, and by 1881 the Northern Pacific Railroad closed the distance between the Spokane area and the West, thus facilitating commerce and community development. The early years of Spokane were characterized by lavishly decorated homes and estates. However, the Great Fire of 1889 destroyed most of the town, erasing evidence of this gilded period. Spokane was quickly rebuilt: it was close to the Couer d’Alene gold and silver mines, it was an important supply center, and it is surrounded natural beauty. Again the city grew and became a haven for millionaires and their enjoyments. Show houses, hotels and auditorium theatres were built, and the city became quickly known for its shows. Today many of the original buildings from post-1889 are still standing and functional. The renowned architect, K. K. Cutter, produced homes of outstanding quality for the wealthy, many of which still stand as historic sites or are family run establishments.
Because of its mining inheritance Spokane became known as a wild and wooly place. As many as 51 saloons and dance halls were operating, which no doubt contributed to the towns reputation for drunkenness and shooting.
The city and surrounding areas have settled down quite a bit since those times, but the Spokane area is still alive with fun filled entertainment and outdoor recreational activities, and thriving businesses that contribute to the community’s health and prosperity.
SPOKANE VALLEY
Spokane Valley has a population of 83,950 and encompasses approximately 38.5 square miles of land area. Incorporated in 2003 Spokane Valley is the 8th largest city in the state.
The City of Spokane Valley is a growing community that has a great deal of room for expansion in all sectors: residential, industrial and commercial. An estimated 5000 retail businesses thrive in the Valley, providing an extensive retail tax base. The Spokane Valley Mall has over 120 popular stores and eateries. It is strategically located on Interstate 90, provides direct freeway access, and is located 10 miles from downtown Spokane.
The recently completed CenterPlace houses the Spokane Valley Senior center, a banquet facility, meeting rooms, multi-purpose rooms, and a high tech lecture hall. CenterPlace combines with Mirabeau Meadows Park and Mirabeau Springs to form a regional conference and cultural center serving Northeast Washington, Northern Idaho, and Western Montana.
The City of Spokane Valley has two major public facilities and thirteen parks. Avista Stadium, located just outside the city limits, is home base to The Spokane Indians, a minor league baseball team. It is one of the finest facilities in the Northwest League and can seat 7,200 spectators. The Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, the second noteworthy facility, hosts exciting and fun-filled shows and events throughout the year at the Fairgrounds.
Quality neighborhoods and schools characterize the Spokane Valley community. People value a friendly way of life, and enjoy the beauty of nature’s four seasons, the abundance of outdoor activities and recreation found in the parks, camping, hiking trails, four outstanding ski resorts, and water activities on the 75 lakes within a short drive. The Spokane Centennial Trail is just one of the many public parks and recreational facilities where residents can spend a few hours or a weekend afternoon. The Trail has 37 miles of paved path, which follow along the Spokane River; biking, walking, in-line skating, and horseback riding are outdoor activities found in designated areas for everyone to enjoy.
LOCATION
Spokane Valley is located on I-90, at the eastern border of the State of Washington, and just west of the City of Spokane. Nearby cities are Opportunity and Dishman.
TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS
Spokane International Airport, located southwest of Spokane, is the second largest airport in the State of Washington. It is served by ten airlines and three air cargo carriers, and offers convenient transportation, parking and shuttle services.
BRIEF HISTORY
Until the establishment of the fur trading industry in 1810, the area was inhabited by the Spokane Indians. The year 1849 brought the first white settler who made his home in the Spokane Valley.
By 1881 the Northern Pacific Railroad had reached the Spokane area thus making the City of Spokane and adjacent valley more accessible to traders and homesteaders. The Spokane Valley began to develop as folks moved away from the increasing population of the City and settled in the Valley.
By the late 1800s numerous communities were becoming established around the irrigation routes, which grew around the Spokane River and nearby lakes. Today many of these Valley communities still retain their identities while others have been incorporated into Spokane.
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