In 1971, Spokane leaders were inspired by the success of Seattle’s world’s fair in 1962 and sought advice from their neighbors to the west. The city council was encouraged to pursue the idea of a world’s fair, and with the help of local businesses and state tax dollars, they built the Washington State Pavilion, which later became the Spokane Opera House and Convention Center.
To prepare for the fair site, the city council implemented an unpopular business and occupation tax that raised $5.7 million. However, this move was controversial among some residents who felt that it unfairly burdened small businesses with additional costs. Nevertheless, it allowed for the demolition of railroad tracks on site, making way for a new event space.
In October 1971, President Richard Nixon officially sanctioned Expo ’74, which attracted participants from all over the world. A delegation from Spokane received unanimous approval from the Bureau of International Expositions in Paris as an official “special exposition.” This recognition allowed Spokane to become part of a global event that celebrated science and technology.
The city’s congressional delegation played a crucial role in securing an $11.5 million appropriation to build the U.S. Pavilion at Expo ’74. Additionally, Spokane officials successfully negotiated with local railroads to donate land valued at millions of dollars and relocate their routes away from downtown areas. This allowed for more open space onsite for exhibits and demonstrations.
Expo ’74 organizer King Cole was tasked with attracting participants from around the world, and he succeeded in securing commitments from countries such as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, Iran, West Germany, and even Russia – despite political tensions at the time between Russia and other participating countries. Corporate pavilions were also secured from companies like Ford Motors Company (now Ford), General Electric Corporation (now GE), Boeing Company (now Boeing), Eastman Kodak Company (now Eastman Kodak Aluminum Company), Montana State University (now Montana State University Billings), Oregon Health & Science University (now Oregon Health & Science University)
