Interpretation and history at Centennial Trail

History

The trail was dedicated and named the Centennial Trail in 1989, in commemoration of Washington state's 100th birthday that year.

The trail contains interpretive signs and 42 historical sites, most of which remain unmarked. Traveling west from the state line, one passes the site of the first bridge built over the Spokane River in 1864, and the site of the white settlement that preceded the city of Spokane. At milepost #2 sets the Horse Slaughter Camp monument. This is the site on which, in 1858, Colonel George Wright and his troops rounded up and killed 800 Indian horses to discourage future Indian uprisings. The bones of the horses remained visible until WWII and some are still found in the area.

Down river from the Maribeau Park area is Plantes Ferry County Park. Here Isaac Stevens, the first territorial governor, met with the Upper and Middle Spokane in December, 1855. Also on this site, Antoine Plante operated a ferry from 1852 until 1864, when the Spokane bridge was built.

At milepost 22 the Centennial Trail runs through Riverfront Park, the site of the 1974 World's Fair and Spokane Falls. Miles 28 through 37 run through Riverside State Park on Aubrey L. White Parkway which was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and still features CCC stone work and retaining walls.

Interpretive opportunities

Washington State Parks is currently working with the Spokane Tribes and the Friends of the Centennial Trail to create marking and interpretation of over 40 sites. Contact Riverside State Park for questions regarding interpretive opportunites at (509) 465-5064