Battle of Spokane Plains

The Battle of Spokane Plains was another significant battle that took place four days after the Battle of Four lakes with the Spokane, Palouse, Yakama, and the Coeur d’Alene tribes. The battle happened in the Washington Territory, which is now present-day Washington and Idaho. The battle was fought near Spokane, Washington, west of Fort George Wright. This battle consisted of a gap in the militaristic force between the two sides, as the U.S. Army Troop was much advanced by using the newly developed minie balls. The battle had a difference in the type of leadership too. George Wright was much more experienced, leading the U.S. Troop, while Kamiakin led the Native Americans. 

This Battle of Spokane Plains was part of a series of battles from the Coeur d’Alene War. This war arose because the Schitsu’umsh natives were outraged by the Americans who mined the land and illegally invaded the native territory. After the Battle of Four Lakes, Wright ordered a counterattack with combined arms—cavalry, infantry, and artillery working in concert— to completely drive the Native Americans off. In the end, the Battle of Spokane was a victory that demonstrates the sheer power that the Americans have compared to the natives by slaughtering 600 Indian horses. 

To honor the Battle of Spokane Plains, you can visit the Battle of Spokane Plains State Park Monument. It is located at 1399 S. Dover Road Medical Lake, WA 99022. It was built in 1935. This monument is a basalt pyramid that is on the main entrance of Fairchild Air Force base, at the intersection of Highway 2 and Dover Road on the West Plains. 

To learn more about the Battle of Spokane Plains, visit the Cultural Tours that are hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel. Check out the website https://www.cdacasino.com/cultural-tourism/ and the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/CDAResort/. You can also call them at 1-800-523-2464. The Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel is open on Monday-Thursday from 7:00 am to 3:00 am and Friday-Sunday 24 hours. The address is 37914 South Nukwalqw Worley, Idaho 83876. We look forward to you taking this cultural tour to learn more about the history of the Battle of Four Lakes.