Settlement of Spokane began in 1871, after a trading fort had first been established therein 1810. In 1889 a great fire destroyed most of the town, but it was rapidly rebuilt.

Nowadays Spokane is an important port of entry and the commercial, transportation and industrial center of a productive region known as the 'Inland Empire', comprising eastern Washington, northern Idaho, western Montana, northeastern Oregon and southern British Columbia in Canada. The irrigated farms of the Columbia basin project contribute to the city's prosperity. The area holds mineral deposits, including gold, silver and copper. There are cattle ranches and the region 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. The Spokane Air Force Base also contributes to the economy.

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 College and Fort Wright College. Spokane is a gateway to two national forests, recreational areas, numerous lakes and several nearby resorts. The city hosted the EXPO '74.

Spokane sits at the spectacular falls of the Spokane River in eastern Washington, some 3400 km northwest of Washington D.C. There are several hotels and restaurants in town.