Spokane's Evolving Riverfront

Spokane's Evolving Riverfront. . The riverfront near Spokane Falls has been used for Many purposes since Euro-Americans settled here in the 1870s. Reflecting the values and technologies of their times, people have used the area as a source of energy, a transportation and industrial center, and a scenic, residential and recreational resource., In the 1870s and '80s, the force of water flowing through this area was used to power sawmills and flour mills along the banks of the river. During this period Samuel Havermale, for whom the largest island is named, and James Glover purchased most of what is now Riverfront Park. With industrialization came the rail yards and depots that made Havermale Island, and what became Spokane Falls Boulevard, a transportation hub for the growing community. Beginning with the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1881, railroads were a major part of this area. The clock tower on the island was originally part of the Great Northern Railroad's Spokane depot., To meet the region's early demand for electricity, hydroelectric facilities were built at Spokane Falls. The Diversion Dam located in front of you was constructed in 1922 and is part of Avista's Upper Falls Hydroelectric Development. The 300-foot-long, 35½-foot-high dam helps regulate the flow of water through the south channel of the Spokane River and into the Upper Falls Intake to the Upper Falls Powerhouse., In spite of the area's industrial character, during the 1960s people began to recognize that the riverfront had potential to become a valuable recreation and entertainment resource. Downtown Spokane needed urban renewal and a revitalized riverfront would play a key role. Railroad tracks were removed and new structures were constructed for the 1974 World's Fair, which had over five million visitors and was themed "Celebrating Tomorrow's Fresh New Environment." In 1978, President Jimmy Carter formally dedicated the World's Fair land as Riverfront Park., 1871 . Spokane's first sawmill built on the river's south channel. , 1874 . Samuel Havermale homesteads and begins industrialization of Havermale Island. , 1876 . First Spokane flour mill erected by Frederick Post. , 1889 . Washington Water Power Company, now named Avista, is formed. , 1890 . Monroe Street Dam and Powerhouse completed. , 1892 . Great Northern Railroad begins Spokane operations; depot and clock tower constructed in 1901. , 1908 . The Olmsted Brothers, world-renowned landscape architects, recommend establishing a large greenbelt along the river. , 1922 . Diversion Dam, Upper Falls Intake and Upper Falls Powerhouse are constructed. , 1961 . City adopts its first master plan for the riverfront, showing what would become Riverfront Park and envisioning pedestrian trails on both sides of the river. , 1972 . Railroads and Avista donate 21 acres for World's Fair; railroad tracks and depots removed in 1973. , 1976 . World’s Fair land becomes Riverfront Park. , 1989 . Spokane Centennial Trail groundbreaking occurs. , 2004 . Spokane receives the All-American City Award from the National Civic League for the second time (first in 1974). . This historical marker was erected by Avista. It is in Spokane in Spokane County Washington