SLO Reading Assessment Level 8

Read the article. Then choose the correct answer. You have 15 minutes.

Welcome to Spokane: The Lilac City

What makes a place a destination? Everyone has their own ideas, but when a place like Spokane has it all, it's tough not to sing its praises. Spokane is officially called "the Lilac City" for the bushes of this fragrant flower found throughout the city. Nestled between the river and the mountains, immersed in arts and culture, filled with premier shopping and and delicious cuisine, Spokane offers something for everyone. Whether you like a relaxing stroll along the river, a moving Broadway performance, a downhill skiing adventure, or an evening of sports and nightlife, Spokane offers enough events to fill any calendar.

Spokane is located in eastern Washington State, along the mighty Spokane River, under the watchful eye of Mt. Spokane, about 20 miles from the Idaho state border and 100 miles south of the Canadian border. Follow Interstate 90 west to Seattle, about 300 miles. Seattle and Portland may be the largest cities of the Pacific Northwest, but you'll find that Spokane, population 210,000, has a charm all its own.

Spokane is named after the first humans to live in the area, the Spokane people (which means "people of the sun" in Salishan). They were Native Americans, or indigenous tribes, who arrived in the area about 10,000 years ago. While the plentiful game kept the Spokane tribe here, Western explorers and miners also found gold, silver, timber and rich soil for agriculture. The railway brought settlers to the Spokane area in1881, and that was the year that "Spokane Falls" was first born. 

The railways, freeways and airport brought more people and the people stayed to develop the area's vast natural, agricultural and industrial resources. As mining boomed and declined through the late 18th and early 20th century, agriculture and logging began to replace mining as the principal influences on the economy. Besides wheat, fruit and livestock (domesticated animals), the area has developed vineyards and microbreweries as well. Today, it is also a commercial center for the surrounding area, called the "Inland Empire" and provides many regional services like healthcare, education, and shopping.

Spokane welcomes modern day explorers who are looking to discoiver its rich history, incredible arts and culture, the thrilling outdoors, and the vibrant future of Spokane, the Lilac City!