The Fort George Wright walking tour project is designed to bring back to life an obscured landmark in Spokane history. For over half a century the fort saw use as Spokane's chief US Army base. It's importance to the local story is undeniable. When the Fort George Wright Museum closed to the public over a decade ago, a valuable resource for the people of Spokane was lost. This project will put this history back in the public eye, through "stops" designed to highlight the important events and places associated with the fort.
Sources
The Fort George Wright Museum is closed except by special appointment. But this project will attempt to make use of whatever resources are made availible there.
The Spokane Public Library.
The Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane.
Possible "Stops"
The Officers Quarters - Site of Great Importance to the base. Housed many of the notable residents
FGW Museum - Museum has a history of its own. Being shuttered due to problems of funding.
FGW Prison (converted partially to apartments) - Partially university housing now. But has storied past and even rumors of haunting!
FGW Cemetery - Run by the nearby airforce base. This Cemetery is home to the graves of soldiers from the forts history.
Lee:
ReplyDeleteA good start and I am glad you are taking on this topic. You #1 goal I think is to get access to that museum. Any idea who to contact? If not, let me know and I can ask around. Heck, I want to go with you to visit.
Make sure you have at least one stop for the Buffalo Soldiers. Also see this important article on how interpretation at historic forts can end up whitewashing history: http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2011/06/08/the-truth-lies-buried-at-fort-laramie-37072
Dr. Cebula