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For over a century, the banks of the Spokane River near the Spokane Falls have drawn people to the area for numerous reasons. Abundant salmon supplies first nourished native tribes while early pioneers found livelihood in harnessing the river to grind grain, saw lumber and eventually generate electricity. These early inhabitants helped to establish the heritage and culture of the Inland Northwest.
The Early Settlement of Kendall's Bridge
Even before Spokane’s forefathers reached the Spokane Falls and identified it as the place they would build a great western city, they came upon a small community known as Kendall’s Bridge – at that time one of the only settlements in the area. They had been following the Mullan Road Trail west to the Spokane River when they reached Kendall’s Bridge. At Kendall’s Bridge, they found shelter and supplies in the community’s hotel and trading post, but most importantly, a route connecting the north and south banks of the river. This early establishment nearly became the site for the City of Spokane, but the fore fathers felt it would be difficult to gain access to Kendall’s claim and decided to continue west.
The Influence of the Railroad
Spokane was just getting its start as a city in 1873 and eight years later the population was still less than 500. It was the coming of the rail that finally stimulated the growth of Spokane. The town had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the train because of the jobs it would create for the area and the timbers it would bring to bridge the Spokane River. On June 25, 1881, the Northern Pacific was the first train to sound its engine in Spokane, connecting the region and bringing thousands of miners to the area. These workers would seek entertainment and winter lodging in Spokane, enabling the population to soar to 36,000 by the turn of the century.
For over 75 years, rail yards for three rail companies including Union Pacific, Great Northern and Milwaukee would shape the south and north banks of the river adjacent to downtown and become the hub of commerce for the region. The north bank of the river was the site of rail yard’s roundhouse as well as the through route to the west. The site remained the city’s rail hub until 1974 when Spokane was chosen for the international exposition and the rail lines and facilities were removed to accommodate the event.
