The Historic Landscape of Fort Spokane: A Design Proposal

Gilbert, Cathy; Niedzwiecka, Renata

In 1984 a preliminary landscape study explored and identified significant historic landscape patterns, components, and remnants that define the historic integrity of Fort Spokane. The purpose of this project is to build on that base and develop a landscape design that specifically addresses the "readability" of the historic scene. Although it is not the intent to reconstruct fabric, many of the key landscape components can be re-established or "drawn-in" relatively easily. Goals for this project included expanding visitor understanding of the site through enhancement of historically significant features and expanding contemporary use of the site while preserving historic integrity. The project was conducted over a twelve week period and was divided into three primary phases of different lengths and overlapping time frames. A comprehensive site survey was also done to document all existing site features. The findings from this research and documentation are included in Part I of this report. In the second phase of the project historic information and base data from the site was mapped and analyzed. From that synthesis an evaluation of historic landscape components was conducted according to National Register criteria, and a determination of significance and integrity was made. This portion of the project covered approximately three weeks and is explained in Part II of this report. The final phase of the project, design development, consisted of integrating research, site data, and significant historic features into a comprehensive design proposal for the fort. The design is illustrated both verbally and graphically in Part III of the report. Specific recommendations support the primary design features and a preliminary phasing plan outlining implementation procedures is also included. Established in 1880, Fort Spokane was one of the last remaining military forts built in the Northwest. Its primary purpose was to maintain peace and settle potential conflicts between Native Americans on the Northern Columbia Plateau and newly-arriving white settlers in the area. The Colville Indian Agency later established an Indian boarding school and hospital there from 1914 until 1929. The fort was a largely abandoned site after this period. Some of the grounds were used by local farmers for cultivating crops or grazing livestock, and the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam in the 1930s increased recreational use of the area.

The Historic Landscape of Fort Spokane: A Design Proposal

Series