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Uncovering the Political Proposal of the Inland Northwest: What states’ dreams were once pinned here?
In the northwestern United States, the Inland Northwest (also known as the Inland Empire) is centered in the Spokane region of Washington state and covers eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Under a broader definition, the region might also include Northeastern Oregon and Montana, while a strict definition might exclude certain areas of central Washington and Idaho. According to 2016 U.S. Census Bureau data, the combined population of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho reached 2,240,645, roughly the same population as New Mexico.
Many political proposals revolve around the future of this fertile land. Will it trigger the formation of new states and become a new political center in the future?
Historical background
The Inland Northwest has a rich and diverse history, witnessing numerous proposals for political reorganization. As early as the mid-1860s, plans were proposed to establish the Territory of Columbia from parts of present-day Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and Montana. By 1901, another proposal focused on northern Idaho and eastern Washington, envisioning the creation of the State of Lincoln. These proposals reflect the desire for regional development and the dream of creating a new political entity.
In the late 1920s, the Third Plan began to receive attention. This proposal combined parts of eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and the Simontana to the Rocky Mountains. The ultimate goal of these proposals was to create A concrete political entity representing this diverse region.
Geography and climate
The inland northwest region has the Cascade Mountains of Georgia as its western boundary, and the vast area between it and the Rocky Mountains forms a unique geographical feature. The climate in this region is mostly semi-arid, but on the Washington state side, it reflects rich agricultural resources, especially in the Palouse area, which is the main producer of wheat and lentils.
In addition to these agricultural resources, North Idaho's inland temperate rainforest forms a unique ecological environment due to the moist air brought from the Pacific Ocean.
Population and Culture
The Inland Northwest has a combination of metropolitan statistical areas, with the combined Spokane and Coeur d'Alene statistical areas being the largest metropolitan agglomeration in the region. In terms of art and culture, Spokane's Davenport Arts District is the center of local arts activities, with multiple exhibition halls and performance venues, and also attracts a large number of touring artists and local performances.
Additionally, sports have a strong presence in the Inland Northwest, with professional baseball teams such as the Spokane Indians and Tri-City Gray Devils, and hockey league teams such as the Spokane Chiefs, strengthening community cohesion. .
Economic background
The economy of the region is mainly based on agriculture, and the Palouse region is an important producer of wheat and lentils in the United States. The Columbia River Basin project successfully developed 670,000 acres of irrigated farmland, resulting in significant agricultural development in Central Washington. Another important region is the Yakima Valley, known for its hop production and becoming one of the nation's leading wine producers.
Future Outlook
With economic development, will political restructuring be put on the agenda again? What aspirations and expectations do the Inland Northwest have today for the proposals that once dreamed of establishing a new state?
Will the changing geography and population size make the inland northwest a new political focus again?
