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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Then and Now: Spokane River middle falls

For centuries the falls of Spokane attracted Native Americans for salmon fishing in May and June. When white settlers began gathering around the falls, creating a settlement at what is now Howard Street and Spokane Falls Boulevard, it was for the power of the water, pushing wheels to mill wheat and saw lumber.

Later, generating electricity became the most important function of the falls.

Through the 120-plus years since the above photo was taken, men have drastically changed the bed and banks of the river, blasting channels open and removing boulders and outcroppings that were in the way. Areas were filled in and smaller waterways were channeled into culverts.

Man-made control over the river’s course created the foundations for plants like the Spokane Mill Co., a lumber mill that took up much of the west end of Riverfront Park. Spokane Mill Co. employed 300 men in 1890.

– Jesse Tinsley