When moving to Spokane, you will be delighted by what you find here. You'll be happy to know that few places in the country can lay claim to the vast amount of activities that Spokane offers. Moreover, in Spokane, Washington everything seems just a short drive away. From thrilling whitewater or downhill adventures, to inspiring art and powerful Broadway performances, Spokane hosts enough activities to entertain even the most energetic resident. The city is also known for its family and business friendly atmosphere, and is considered by locals as the perfect place to call home.
History:
The city of Spokane was officially incorporated as a city in 1881. The city's population ballooned to over 19,000 in 1890 and up to 37,000 in 1900 with the arrival of the railroads. Spokane's growth continued until 1889 when a fire (now known as The Great Fire) destroyed the city's downtown commercial district. After The Great Fire of 1889 and the rebuilding of the downtown, the city was reincorporated under the present name of "Spokane" in 1891. The railroad came to town soon there after, turning the city into a transportation center for the Inland Northwest region. The expansion and growth of Spokane abruptly stopped in the 1910s and was followed by a period of population decline. The 1920s and 1930s saw similar, but less drastic slow growth, also due to economic factors. Spokane's situation improved with the start of World War II as aluminum production was initiated in the Spokane valley. The city hosted the first environmentally themed World Fair in Expo '74, becoming the smallest city to host the world fair. The success seen in the late 1970s and early 1980s once again was interrupted by another U.S. recession in which silver, timber, and farm prices dropped. Although a tough period, Spokane's economy had begun to benefit from economic diversification, being the home to growing companies such as Key Tronic and having research, marketing and assembly plants for other technology companies helped lessen Spokane's dependency on natural resources.
Economy:
A number of manufacturing companies are located in Spokane, drawn to town by the easy access to raw materials. Finished wood products, metal refinery and fabrication and food processing are among the leaders in manufacturing. In recent years the economy has diversified to include high-technology and service companies. Health-related industries employ more people than any other industry in Spokane, and all branches of the U.S. armed forces are represented in Spokane County. The largest military facility is Fairchild Air Force Base, which employs over 3,300 military personnel. The military units and their personnel combine to have an economic impact on the regional economy of more than $400 million annually. Tourism is the fourth largest industry in the state, and Spokane is a hub for tourist activity. Spokane has also seen the recent development of economic activity in the lucrative high-technologies and biotech sectors. The city is the site of a 100-block wireless network (the largest of its kind in the country), which is seen as a symbol of the city's dedication to the development of technological opportunities and resources.
Tourism:
From raging whitewater to pristine lakes and rivers to Broadway performances and award-winning wineries, it may be safe to say, Spokane has it all. Spokane offers several outdoor parks within minutes of most neighborhoods. Check out Riverside State Park, which is located close to downtown and offers hiking, rafting and camping opportunities as well as scenic views. Spokane's Centennial Trail offers visitors the chance to run, walk, bike or roller blade over thirty-seven miles of paved trails running along the Spokane River. In the summer, many Spokane residents visit Lake Coeur d'Alene, Priest Lake, or one of the many nearby bodies of water. In the winter, enjoy access to five ski resorts within a few hours of their city. The Cascade and Rocky Mountains offer a haven for powder hounds in the winter and hikers and bikers in the summer. Seventy-six lakes and rivers provide limitless opportunities for raging whitewater, classic kayaking and fantastic fishing.