Spokane is the county seat of Spokane County in Washington State. Situated on the Spokane River within Eastern Washington just 32 km from the Idaho-Washington border, it is the region's metropolitan center. The Canada-U.S. 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 within the Inland Northwest during the latter part of the 1800s, the Spokane region boomed. The area is still considered among the most productive mining districts in North America. The economy of the city developed from its natural resource base, even if in recent years, diversification of the city's economy has brought high-tech and biotech companies into the region.
Natural resources continue to have a place of importance in Spokane's economy, particularly timber and mining. The U.S. armed forces plays a major part in the area. Many residents of the city are working at the Fairchild Air Force Base. All of the military branches are represented in the region. The economic development of the city varies from aerospace and clean technology to digital media and information technology. The manufacturing sector concentrates on metal fabrication and refinery, food processing and finished wood products. The healthcare industry plays a growing role in the economy of the city. Many businesses are located here, like the Fortune 1000 Potlatch Corporation. Numerous farms, wineries and breweries are situated within the region.
Spokane's yearly calendar of activities features lots of festivals and celebrations. People from nearby areas come to Spokane for such activities as the springtime Lilac Bloomsday Run, the biggest timed road race in the globe. Spectators number in the tens of thousands. Each and every February, the Spokane International Film Festival features independent films from around the world. During June, the biggest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world takes place within the city of Spokane. Known as Hoopfest, this tournament draws participants of all ages. The July activity known as "100 Years of Motorcycles" is not only for builders of custom bikes and motorcycle buffs. The event features musical performers and television celebrities.