Spokane, Washington

City Skyline and Riverfront Park's Clock Tower

Spokane is the county seat of Spokane County in the State of Washington. Situated at the foot of a valley, midway between the rise and mouth of the Spokane River, it is 350 miles east of Seattle and 375 miles northeast of Portland. It is the commercial center of the eastern part of Washington and of the northern part of Idaho, and the distributing point for a great agricultural, lumbering, horticultural, and stock raising region. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 195,629. Gonzaga University and Whitworth College are located in Spokane, as are major branches of Eastern Washington University and Washington State University.

History

The growth of the city dates from 1881, when the Northern Pacific Railway was completed at this point. Spokane was officially incorporated on November 29, 1881. Between 1900 and 1910, the population grew from 36,848 to 104,402.

Geography

Spokane is located at 47°40'24" North, 117°24'37" West (47.673341, -117.410271)Template:GR.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 151.6 km² (58.5 mi²). 149.6 km² (57.8 mi²) of it is land and 2.0 km² (0.8 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.30% water.

Demographics

As of the census Template:GR of 2000, there are 195,629 people, 81,512 households, and 47,276 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,307.7/km² (3,387.0/mi²). There are 87,941 housing units at an average density of 587.8/km² (1,522.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 89.46% White, 2.07% African American, 1.76% Native American, 2.25% Asian, 0.19% Pacific Islander, 0.88% from other races, and 3.38% from two or more races. 2.99% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 81,512 households out of which 29.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.3% are married couples living together, 12.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 42.0% are non-families. 33.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.32 and the average family size is 2.98.

In the city the population is spread out with 24.8% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $32,273, and the median income for a family is $41,316. Males have a median income of $31,676 versus $24,833 for females. The per capita income for the city is $18,451. 15.9% of the population and 11.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 19.3% of those under the age of 18 and 9.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Spokane is served by Spokane International Airport.

1974 World's Fair

Spokane hosted the environmentally themed Expo '74, becoming the smallest city ever to host a World's Fair.

Many of the structures built for the World's Fair are still standing. The United States Pavilion now houses an IMAX theater; the Washington State Pavilion became the downtown Opera House. The Expo site itself became the 100 acre (400,000 m²) Riverfront Park, containing the U.S. Pavilion and a clock tower (part of a Great Northern rail depot that was demolished for Expo '74), which are prominently featured in the park's logo.

Events and activities in Spokane

Spokane is home to a number of yearly events that have a far reaching draw of people.

Hoopfest is the largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament in the world. The Lilac Bloomsday Run is a 12 kilometer race for walkers and competitive runners. It is held the first Sunday every May.

Spokane also preserves one of the most beautiful hand-carved carousels in the U.S., a National Historic Landmark created in 1909 by Charles Looff as a wedding present for his daughter. The carousel still operates, and still offers a free ride to the rider who catches the gold ring.

Famous Spokanites

Paul D'Amour, member of the band Tool.
Mike Clarke, member of the band The Byrds.
Bing Crosby, celebrated entertainer.
Tom Foley, former democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Craig Montoya, member of the band Everclear.
Craig T. Nelson, actor who has played lead roles in Coach and The District.
Mark Rypien, professional football player.
Ryne Sandberg, professional baseball player.
John Stockton, professional basketball player.
Julia Sweeney, actress and comedienne — well known as Pat on Saturday Night Live.
Cyan Worlds, Inc., the company that produced the computer game Myst.
David Eddings, popular author of the Belgariad and many other books.

External links

Template:Geolinks-US-cityscale