Spokane

Spokane is a city in the eastern part of the state of Washington, United States. It is the county seat of Spokane County and the largest city in the Inland Northwest. Located along the Spokane River opposite the Idaho border, the city has a population of about 230,000. The name Spokane comes from the Spokane people and the river.

Indigenous history and European settlement: The area was long inhabited by the Spokane people. The first non-indigenous settlement began in the 1870s around a mill at Spokane Falls. The town—then called Spokane Falls—expanded after the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway. A major fire in 1889 destroyed much of downtown but the city was rebuilt quickly.

Economy and institutions: Spokane’s economy centers on healthcare, education, government, and manufacturing. Major employers include medical centers and public institutions. Notable higher education institutions include Gonzaga University and Washington State University Spokane in the health sciences campus. The city hosts cultural venues such as Riverfront Park, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, and annual events like Hoopfest and Bloomsday.

Geography and climate: The city sits in the Spokane Valley on the Spokane River, near the Idaho border. It experiences a four-season, semi-arid climate with cold winters and warm, dry summers. The surrounding landscape includes parks, bluffs, and the nearby Selkirk and Coeur d’Alene regions.

Transportation and infrastructure: Spokane is served by Spokane International Airport (GEG), Interstate 90, and multiple state routes. Amtrak serves the city along the Empire Builder line. The city functions as a regional hub for commerce, health care, and education in eastern Washington.