The name Spokane comes from the Spokane Tribe, the Indigenous people who have lived in the region for thousands of years. In the Salishan language, Spokane is commonly interpreted to mean “Children of the Sun” or “Sun People”. This poetic name reflects both the tribe’s cultural identity and their deep connection to the land and natural elements. The Spokane River and its spectacular falls were central to the tribe’s way of life, providing abundant salmon and serving as a gathering place for trade and celebration. When European fur traders arrived in the early 1800s—most notably David Thompson in 1810—they established trading posts near the river, marking the beginning of sustained European presence in the area. The modern city of Spokane was officially founded in 1873 by James Glover, who purchased land and a sawmill at Spokane Falls. Originally called Spokan Falls, the city later dropped the “Falls” and added the “e” to become Spokane. With the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1881, Spokane quickly grew into a major hub for mining, timber, and agriculture in the Inland Northwest.
The Spokane River and its spectacular falls were central to the tribe’s way of life, providing abundant salmon and serving as a gathering place for trade and celebration. When European fur traders arrived in the early 1800s—most notably David Thompson in 1810—they established trading posts near the river, marking the beginning of sustained European presence in the area.
The modern city of Spokane was officially founded in 1873 by James Glover, who purchased land and a sawmill at Spokane Falls. Originally called Spokan Falls, the city later dropped the “Falls” and added the “e” to become Spokane. With the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1881, Spokane quickly grew into a major hub for mining, timber, and agriculture in the Inland Northwest.