In 1974, with a population of only 170,000, Spokane was the smallest city ever to hold a world's fair– and the first to convene a global event dedicated to the environment.
The World's Fair revived interest in preserving and beautifying the landscape surrounding the falls of the Spokane River and provided for the construction of the Spokane Opera House and surrounding riverfront walkways. Spokane used the event to promote ideas about environmentalism and resource sustainability, and brought international attention to the city and the Inland Northwest.