Kootenai

Spokane Story

Spokane Story

“Spokane Story: A Colorful Early History of the Capital City of the Inland Empire” by Lucile Foster Fargo offers readers an evocative journey through the formative years of Spokane, Washington. Published in 1957 by Northwestern Press in Minneapolis, this work seeks to straddle the realms of history and storytelling, presenting a narrative that is neither entirely factual history nor pure fiction. Fargo accepts the challenging task of depicting Spokane’s cultural and developmental evolution from its fur trade beginnings to its emergence as a municipal entity in the early twentieth century.

Historical Notes on the Work of the Catholic Church in Idaho

The Catholic Church has played a pivotal role in Idaho’s early history, with its missionaries arriving before settlers. Notably, Father De Smet initiated outreach to the Coeur d’Alene Indians in 1842, establishing the foundational Catholic missions in the region. The Most Rev. F. N. Blanchet, alongside others, worked tirelessly to spread the faith and establish churches despite challenges. Over the years, the Catholic community grew, with key figures like Bishop Glorieux leading significant advancements in church infrastructure and education, fostering a lasting legacy in Idaho.

The Indians of Idaho Nez Percé and Shoshone Uprisings

The original inhabitants of Idaho, including the Nez Percé and Shoshone tribes, lacked written histories and architectural monuments, relying instead on oral traditions. The Nez Percé, noted for their intelligence and social organization, were initially reluctant to go to war against settlers. In contrast, the more hostile Cayuses and Shoshones faced challenges adapting to white civilization, leading to tensions and uprisings. By the late 19th century, many Native Americans had begun to embrace agriculture and education, settling into a more peaceful existence on reservations.