Spokane

Initially inhabited by the Salish Spokane Indian tribe, Spokane still continues to exhibit its Native American heritage. Named in Salish, Spokane translates to sun people or children of sun due to the approximately 270 days of sun per year.

In 1810, Spokane's as well as the Pacific Northwest's first trading post was established at the intersection of the Spokane River and the Little Spokane River by explorer David Thompson. Natives from nearby areas gathered to sell furs, which were shipped via the Columbia River, then the Pacific Ocean to Europe. However, since the Columbia River was almost 60 miles from the post, the explorers moved the post to a location closer to the Columbia River leaving behind Spokane after several years of trading. Battles between new settlers began occurring as more and more settlers began inhabiting the area. In 1880, Fort Spokane was built in order to keep peace between the Natives and the settlers. Fort Spokane is now a museum displaying the history of the Native Americans. Other Native American history can be viewed at the Northwest Museum of Art and Culture and the Cheney Cowles Museum.

Today, the city is a tourist destination. Built for the World's Fair in 1974, the 100-acre Riverfront Park is situated around the Spokane River and is home to the 1909 hand-carved Looff carousel, a clock tower, many waterfalls, and a small amusement park. Riverfront Park as well as downtown Spokane annually host the nation's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Hoopfest, and 12K race, Bloomsday. The Centennial Trail runs 37 miles from Riverfront Park to Crosby Museum in the Crosby Student Center.

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Photograph of Riverfront Park taken by Mike Fassio.