Spokane WA
| (spōkăn) , city (1990 pop.
177,196), seat of Spokane county, Eastern Washington, 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 Eastern Washington, North Idaho, Western Montana, Northeastern Oregon, and Southern
British Columbia. The irrigated farms of the Columbia basin project contribute
to the city's prosperity. The area has mineral deposits (gold, silver, copper)
and cattle ranches and yields wheat, fruit, and other farm products. Spokane's
industries include lumbering, food processing and packing, aluminum smelting,
metal refining, and the manufacture of paper, clay, and cement products. 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 and also has several parks. The
city has an international airport and is the seat of Gonzaga University,
Whitworth University, and the Community Colleges of Spokane. Spokane is a
gateway to two national forests, recreational areas, numerous lakes, and several
nearby resorts. The city hosted the EXPO '74. The Spokane Air Force Base (now
known as Fairchild Air Force Base) contributes to the economy.
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