All Stories

Susan Glover spent her golden years at Eastern Washington State Hospital For the Insane after one terrible day.

A Hospital For Washington's Insane: Changing the Way Washington Cared For the Mentally Ill

Eastern Washington Hospital For The Insane promised humane treatment for the mentally ill.

A Town No More: The Drowned Town of Gifford

Now submerged beneath Lake Roosevelt, Gifford was a small town founded by a man with a westering spirit.

Risky Fun: Deadly Waters

While there was "never a shot fired in anger" at Fort Spokane, life on the fort was not without danger.

Crooked Agent: Agent fired for "irregularities."

For Indian Agent Albert M. Anderson, kickbacks and embezzlement were all in a day's work.

Resurrection of St. Paul's Mission: And the Blackrobes of Kettle Falls

Once a magnet for Catholics in the area, St. Paul's was left abandoned in the woods for forty years before its "resurrection" as a historic site.

The Log Cabin Church

By Anastasia Utke

The Pinehurst Community Bible Church, previously named the Pine Creek Baptist Church was built in 1932. The building was supposed to have clean and simple lines and logs. The church is an outstanding…

"From This Earth" Northwest Mining Association Statue

Spokane artist Glenn Emmons was the artist chosen by the Northwest Mining Association to sculpt what Spokesman Review writer Lorie Hutson dubbed, the "larger-than-life bronze statue" that they donated…

The Joy of Running Together

The Joy of Running Together is a public work of art in honor of the annual Spokane Bloomsday Run. Located near the finish line of the race, and is meant to give encouragement to the runners in their…

Michael P. Anderson Memorial

A graduate of Cheney High School and the University of Washington, Michael P. Anderson was a proud Washingtonian. He was described by friends and family at his memorial service as being "a humble,…

Australian Sundial

The Australian Sundial was commissioned by Australia as a gift for Spokane after the world fair in 1974. Sister Paula Mary Turnbull was asked to build the sundial, and it was completed in 1976. She…

That Place Where Ghosts of Salmon Jump, Spokane Falls

By Allie Honican and Anna Harbine

At the Spokane Public Library's Overlook Park there is a platform overlooking Spokane Falls. It was here that artist and former Spokane resident Sherman Alexie was inspired to write his poem, "That…

Captain Mullan: The Bombastic Little Lieutenant

From an early age, John Mullan had big visions for his future. Born in 1830 in Maryland, Mullan graduated from St John’s College in 1847, and from West Point where he studied engineering. Soon his…

Willie Willey: Spokane's Nature Boy: Short on clothes but long on intrigue

Short on clothes but long on intrigue, Willie Willey and his choice in dress (or lack thereof) made an impression on twentieth century Spokane. Born in 1884, Willis (Willie) Willey grew up in Iowa…

Hillyard Schools

Hillyard began as a working men’s railroad town with a rough-and-tumble reputation. But families quickly followed and the addition of women and children softened the image of the town. Schools provide…

Hillyard Murals: Painting Hillyard's Past

Hillyard has always been proud of its history and heritage, as demonstrated in the many painted murals throughout the neighborhood. Let’s take a closer look at some of the Hillyard murals.…

Treaty Tree

This is located on private property, please do not disturb the owners or the tree.

Agnes and Thomas Kehoe: Hillyard's First Couple

Visitors to Hillyard will see the name Kehoe prominently displayed -- on the Kehoe Building, park, and apartments. These are monuments to Agnes and Thomas Kehoe, pioneer citizens of Hillyard. In…

James J. Hill: The Man Who Did Not Want the Town Named After Him

James J. Hill lived the late nineteenth century American dream. Through hard work, perseverance, and sometimes sheer luck, Hill amassed a fortune in the railroad industry though his company Great…

Great Northern Railway

The Great Northern railroad is the soil on which the town of Hillyard grew. James J. Hill chose this location for his railroad terminal in 1892. The small town rapidly expanded around the railroad…

Francis H. Cook

A forgotten founder of Spokane, Francis H. Cook was one of the most influential people in Spokane’s History. Little is known about Cook’s childhood other than in 1851 he was born a twin to Silas…

Mount Saint Michael

The cornerstone for the current Mount St. Michael was laid in 1914, but the history of this Catholic church is much older. Father Joseph Cataldo arrived in the Inland Northwest in 1865 as a…

Hillyard Library

A library is a necessity for any civilized neighborhood. After Spokane annexed Hillyard in 1924 the area qualified for more city services. One of the major services provided by the city, and a staple…

The Lincoln Statue