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At the turn of
the century, the North West Company, a Canadian firm, started
exploration of the fur resources of these areas. David
Thompson, explorer-geographer with the North
West Company, made his way across the Rocky Mountains in 1807. As a
result of these explorations, the trading posts of Kootenai House,
Kullyspell House, and Saleesh House were established. In 1810, Thompson
established at the confluence of the Little Spokane and Spokane Rivers a
post which was called Spokane House. this was a small post built to meet
the immediate needs of the time. It probably consisted of a store,
warehouse, and quarters for the men. In 1811,
John Jacob Astor of the American
Pacific Fur Company established Fort Jacob near Spokane House. Fort
Jacob was short-lived as news of the War
of 1812 between the United States and Britain spread. By 1821, in an
act of Parliament, the Canadian North West Company was absorbed by the
British Hudson Bay Company.
In 1826, Spokane House was considered to be less than an ideal place for
a trading post and after 16 years of continuous occupation, was
abandoned for Fort Colvile. Although archaeological studies have been
made of this site, the precise location of Spokane House remains
unknown. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has
developed the site of Spokane House for the enjoyment and education of
visitors.
To learn more
about Spokane House, click here.
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