Environmental History 
of the Spokane River

Expo '74

Reflection by the River: PBS Documentary (1994)

Expo '74, was the first environmentally themed World's Fair and was held in Spokane, Washington in 1974. The fair helped to establish a strong relationship between the people of Spokane and the Spokane River. It cleaned up the city, boosted the town economically, and served as a reminder of the importance of the environment and the need to preserve it.

Expo '74 Quick Facts

  • Theme: "Celebrating Tomorrow's Fresh New Environment"
  • Opening Date: May 4, 1974
  • Closing Date: November 3, 1974.
  • Site Size: 40 hectares (100 acres)
  • Attendees: 5.6 million
  • Total Cost: $24.6 million
  • Ticket Cost: $4 for adults, $3.25 for 12-17, $2 for 6-11, under 6 were free
  • Participating Countries: 10
  • Taiwan (Republic of China), USSR, Canada, Japan, Federal Republic of Germany, Republic of Korea, Iran, Philippines, Australia, US

The Expo Sky Ride, a popular attraction that stretched across the river (Spokesman-Review)

A view of the fairgrounds at night (Spokesman-Review)
























Developed by the Environmental History students of Gonzaga University and Dr. Gregory Gordon 
Published in 2019 
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