Spokane

Spokane, city, United States

Spokane (spōkăn`), city (1990 pop. 177,196), seat of Spokane co., E Wash., at the spectacular falls of the Spokane River; inc. 1881. It is a port of entry and the commercial, transportation, and industrial center of a productive region known as the "Inland Empire," comprising E Washington, N Idaho, W Montana, NE Oregon, and S British Columbia. The irrigated farms of the Columbia basin project, which yield wheat, fruit, and other products, contribute to the city's prosperity. The area also has cattle ranches and dairy farms and mineral deposits (tungsten, clay, magnesium, uranium). Other products include building materials; electrical and electronic goods; transportation equipment; canvas, wood, metal, and concrete products; machinery; foods, processed meat, and beverages; chemicals; lumber; plastics; computers; paper; feeds; aluminum; and consumer goods. Nearby Fairchild Air Force Base contributes to the economy.

A trading fort was established there in 1810; settlement began in 1871. In 1889 a great fire destroyed most of the town, but it was rapidly rebuilt. Spokane is a focus of cultural and educational activities, with the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, the Jundt Art Museum, and several parks. The city is the seat of Gonzaga Univ. and Whitworth College in nearby. Spokane is a gateway to two national forests, recreational areas, numerous lakes, and several nearby resorts.

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Spokane, river, United States

Spokane, river, c.100 mi (160 km) long, rising in Coeur d'Alene Lake, N Idaho, and flowing through NE Washington to the Columbia River. Dams on the river include Nine Mile, Long Lake, and Little Falls. Farming, lumbering, and fishing are important in the valley.

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Spokane

City (pop., 2000: 195,629), eastern Washington, U.S. Situated at the falls of the Spokane River, the city was settled on the site of a trading post established in 1810. It was incorporated in 1881 after the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway. A fire in 1889 destroyed much of the city, but it soon was rebuilt and developed into a trade and shipping hub for the surrounding region. Completion of the Grand Coulee Dam Project (1941) assured industrial growth. Spokane is home to Gonzaga University (1887) and is a gateway to the resorts of Mount Spokane and several national forests.