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A Spokane Falls Rarity

This 1890 map of Spokane Falls, Washington, was designed by Fransworth & Stevenson and published by Hunt, Dart & Co., as a promotional tool to highlight the city’s rapid growth and economic potential.

The map captures Spokane Falls during a period of explosive expansion, just before the city’s name was officially shortened to Spokane in 1891. It reflects the real estate boom driven by railroad expansion, mining, and industrial development, making it a valuable historical document of the Pacific Northwest’s transformation in the late 19th century.

The main map presents a detailed street grid of Spokane Falls, color-coded to distinguish various property divisions and land ownership. The Spokane River and its falls, which powered local industry, are prominently depicted, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a center of hydroelectric power and manufacturing.

Surrounding the central plan, additional elements enhance the map’s utility and promotional appeal.

• Inset Map of the Pacific Northwest – Located in the upper left, this regional map contextualizes Spokane Falls within the larger geography of Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and Montana, emphasizing Spokane’s railroad connections and trade routes.
• Illustrations of Key Buildings – The lower right corner features an engraving of The Hotel Spokane, one of the city’s premier establishments, showcasing Spokane’s growing urban sophistication.
• “Facts About Spokane Falls” – This text block provides statistical insights into the city’s expansion, noting that Spokane’s population surged from 500 in 1880 to 30,000 in 1890. It details the nine railroads serving the city, plans for 700 additional miles of track, and the $12 million investment in infrastructure. Mining is highlighted as a major industry, with $8 million in gold, silver, and lead produced in 1889 alone.
• Real Estate Advertisements – The verso of the map includes promotional material from Hunt, Dart & Co., showcasing Spokane’s investment opportunities with illustrations of commercial buildings, homes, and infrastructure projects.

By 1890, Spokane Falls had become a major economic hub due to railroad expansion, mining, and timber industries. The Great Northern Railroad’s completion in 1890 further boosted Spokane’s strategic importance, linking it to national markets. The city’s hydropower potential (noted as 30,000 horsepower from the Spokane River) positioned it as an industrial powerhouse in the Pacific Northwest. However, this period of optimism was soon challenged by the Great Fire of 1890, which devastated much of the downtown core but ultimately led to a more modernized reconstruction.

Rarity

The map is apparently unrecorded.

No examples listed in OCLC.  No auction or dealer records.