The city of Spokane, Washington serves as the seat for Spokane County. It is situated along the Spokane River in Eastern Washington, approximately 30 km from the Idaho-Washington border. The city is the key metro area within the region. The US-Canada. border lies 180 km to the north.
Spokane began as a trading post during 1810 with the establishment of the North West Company's Spokane House. The settlement was the center of the fur trade between the Cascades and the Rockies. David Thompson was the first to explore the area. When silver and gold were discovered in the Inland Northwest during the latter part of the 1800s, the Spokane area boomed. The area is still considered one of the most prolific mining districts in North America. Spokane's economy developed from its natural resource base, although in recent years, diversification of Spokane's economy has brought high-tech and biotech companies into the region.
The city's economy has been driven mainly by timber and mining industries, though the U.S. armed forces has likewise played a role in the region. Lots of residents of the city are employed at the Fairchild Air Force Base. All of the branches of the military are represented within the region. The economic development of Spokane ranges from aerospace and clean technology to digital media and information technology. The manufacturing sector concentrates on metal refinery and fabrication, food processing and finished wood products. The healthcare business plays a growing part in the city's economy. Numerous businesses are located here, like for instance the Fortune 1000 Potlatch Corporation. Numerous wineries, breweries and farms are situated within the area.
Spokane's yearly calendar of activities features numerous celebrations and festivals. People from neighboring areas come to Spokane for such activities as the springtime Lilac Bloomsday Run, the largest timed road race within the world. Spectators are in the tens of thousands. Each month of February, the Spokane International Film Festival features independent films from around the world. In June, the biggest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world takes place within Spokane. Known as Hoopfest, this tournament draws participants of various ages. The event each and every month of July called "100 Years of Motorcycles" is not only for motorcycle enthusiasts and custom bike builders. The event features television celebrities and musical performers.