The Forgotten Relics of the Spokane Plains Settlers

The Forgotten Relics of the Spokane Plains Settlers

The Spokane Plains, a stretch of fertile land nestled within the eastern region of Washington State, is steeped in rich agricultural history and the stories of the settlers who labored on these plains during the mid to late 19th century. While historical records and prominent landmarks showcase this area’s past, several lesser-known treasures and relics from the settlers remain buried or hidden, waiting to be discovered.

The Historical Context

The settlement of Spokane Plains began in earnest in the 1870s, driven by the promise of fertile land and thriving agricultural opportunities. This movement coincided with the completion of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1883, which connected the Midwest to the Pacific Coast, facilitating the influx of settlers eager to carve out a new life. The Spokane Valley attracted a diverse group of individuals, from eastern farmers seeking new opportunities to immigrants hoping to establish themselves in the burgeoning economy.

• 1871: The first settlers, predominantly farmers, began to establish homesteads in Spokane Plains.
• 1883: The Northern Pacific Railway’s completion marked a significant increase in population and economic activity.
• 1890: The Spokane Falls and Northern Railway further spurred growth in the region.

The Settler Experience

The local climate and soil characteristics presented both challenges and opportunities for settlers. The plains were initially covered in native grasses but required significant effort to cultivate for agriculture. Settlers used a variety of farming techniques, and crops such as wheat, oats, and barley flourished. However, harsh winters and insufficient rainfall during summer months forced many families to either adapt or abandon their established farms.

Prominent figures such as Lora and John Brown, who arrived in 1878, became instrumental in shaping the Spokane Plains’ agricultural success. They were among the first to implement irrigation techniques learned from experienced farmers of the Midwest — an innovation that supported crop productivity despite the vagaries of Mother Nature. As the community grew, so did the support structures, including schools, churches, and local governance, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the settlers.

The Hidden Treasures

Among the human stories of grit and determination, remnants from this vibrant community lie hidden across Spokane Plains. These artifacts, often referred to as The Forgotten Relics of the Spokane Plains Settlers, include personal items, farming equipment, and even remnants of lost homesteads. Over the decades, historians, archaeologists, and treasure hunters have sought these artifacts, revealing both mundane and extraordinary glimpses into the lives of the settlers.

Personal artifacts and household items provide insight into the daily lives of the settlers. Objects such as tools, cooking utensils, and textiles tell stories of survival and adaptation.

• Baking tools: Many settlers relied on outdoor ovens for baking. Fragments of pottery, tin, and cast-iron cookware have been unearthed from various locations, illustrating the communal aspect of cooking.
• Textiles: Scattered remnants of quilts, garments, and other fibers have revealed the resourcefulness of settlers in repurposing and recycling materials.
• Personal letters and journals: Some have survived, offering fascinating firsthand accounts of the struggles and triumphs faced by settlers.

Farming Equipment

The equipment utilized by Spokane Plains’ settlers showcases the agricultural tools that paved the way for their success. Many of these tools have receded into the earth as farms have been abandoned or repurposed.

• Plows: Early settlers relied on hand-made plows often constructed from local timber, which have occasionally been discovered in areas that were once actively farmed.
• Harvesting tools: Various scythes and sickles have been found, indicating the type of labor shared among the farming families.
• Seed drills: An important advancement in farming, remnants of early seed drills have contributed to understanding agricultural practices during this period.

Remnants of Lost Homesteads

As farming techniques developed, some settlers moved on, leaving ghostly remnants of their homesteads. Certain sites have been identified that reflect the architectural styles and construction methods employed in the 19th century.

• Foundations: The stone and adobe foundations of former homes stand as a testament to the resilience of their inhabitants.
• Cemeteries: Abandoned burial sites in the Spokane Plains give insight into the community’s loss — many markers reflect the hardships faced by families during times of illness.
• Old wells: Many homesteads included wells for fresh water, some of which have been unearthed, providing historical insight into water access and usage.

Notable Discovery Stories

The pursuit of uncovering Spokane Plains’ treasure has led to many notable discoveries, each contributing uniquely to the narrative of the region’s settlement history. These stories often blend archaeology with serendipitous finds, prompting treasure hunters and historians alike to explore the landscape.

The Plains Plowman

In 2013, a local farmer named Jake Morris made a chance discovery while plowing his fields near Greenacres, WA. His plow struck something solid, which turned out to be a collection of metal artifacts buried just beneath the surface.

Among the relics were handcrafted agricultural tools, including a beautifully engraved plow handle dating back to the 1880s and other equipment that made farming possible. Morris reached out to local historical societies, which organized a small excavation, revealing additional farming tools and remnants of a long-abandoned homestead.

The Lost Diary of Lora Brown

In 2018, a young history enthusiast named Sarah Kline stumbled upon an old trunk in her grandmother’s attic in Spokane Valley. Inside, she discovered a collection of personal effects belonging to Lora Brown, a key settler whose letters chronicled her experiences while building a life on the plains.

These letters revealed the hardships endured by Lora and John Brown — including droughts, family tragedies, and moments of joy — contributing significantly to the understanding of their daily lives and the social structure of the early Spokane Plains community. This diaries were subsequently preserved and showcased in a local museum.

The Cemetery Dig

In 2021, an archaeological team from Washington State University was granted a permit to excavate an old burial ground in the Spokane Plains. This cemetery, long considered abandoned, yielded remarkable insights into the daily lives and values of the settlers.

Members of the team recovered headstones and artifacts, including personal effects buried with individuals, such as jewelry and tools that held personal significance. These discoveries provided a poignant connection to the settlers’ beliefs in family, legacy, and remembrance.

Investigating the Myths and Legends

The Spokane Plains settlers’ lives are not only reflected in physical artifacts but are also steeped in rich folklore that continues to capture the imaginations of treasure hunters, historians, and locals alike. Conjectures derived from these tales often blend elements of history with myth, creating an alluring narrative that draws people into this historical exploration.

The Ghostly Treasure of Fort Spokane

Located at the convergence of the Spokane River and the Columbia River, Fort Spokane served as a military outpost from 1880 to Legends tell of soldiers who buried their gold after a series of skirmishes, rendering it a coveted treasure for those brave enough to search for it.

Treasure hunters today still venture near the old fort site, hoping to unravel tales of hidden gold. Unfortunately, specific details about the treasure’s existence are often exaggerated, leading to a host of treasure-hunting myths surrounding the fort.

The Wishing Well of Water’s End

A long-standing local legend speaks of a wishing well constructed by early settlers that allegedly grants wishes to anyone brave enough to cast a coin. Therefore, local treasure seekers often comb this area, convinced that the waters hold valuable relics tossed in by hopeful wishers from generations past.

The Lost Settler’s Cache

Along the foothills near the Spokane Plains, treasure hunters have recounted the tale of a settler who purportedly stored a cache of gold coins, claiming they would procure wealth for himself and generations ahead. To this day, individuals equipped with metal detectors comb through these areas, searching for signs of the jackpot that remains mythical to many.

Preservation and Further Research

The rich tapestry of life woven by the early settlers of Spokane Plains is preserved in the artifacts and stories recovered from the land. Alongside historical researchers and dedicated treasure seekers, several local organizations aim to safeguard these relics and foster an appreciation for the settler legacy.

Museum Partnerships

Local museums, including the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, work tirelessly to maintain collections of settler artifacts. These institutions not only store historical items but also engage the community through exhibitions and educational programs that highlight the settlers’ contributions to the region.

Community Archaeology Programs

New community initiatives aim to involve local residents in archaeology projects, enabling them to participate in discovering, preserving, and interpreting settler artifacts. These programs instill pride and a sense of ownership among individuals regarding their rich heritage.

Continued Excavations

Ongoing archaeological digs in the Spokane Plains promise to unearth new finds that would enrich the current understanding of settlers’ lives. By utilizing modern technology, including ground-penetrating radar and advanced mapping software, archaeologists continue to reveal the hidden layers of history beneath the soil.

Conclusion

The Forgotten Relics of the Spokane Plains Settlers are not merely artifacts of the past; they are the vessels of stories that speak to resilience, hope, and community in the face of adversity. As historians, archaeologists, and treasure hunters collaborate to uncover the mysteries embedded in the land, they contribute to a growing understanding of the pioneers who laid the groundwork for what would become the vibrant Spokane Plains we know today.

Each relic tells a unique story, painting a broader picture of life on the plains and breathing life into the narratives of those who walked the land long before us. Their legacies are grounded in hardship, aspiration, and a shared dream for prosperity, a testament to the enduring spirit of the American settlers that merits remembrance and preservation.