Ganado in Apache County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Hubbell Trading Post National Historical Site

Photographed by James Hulse, June 24, 2024

1. Hubbell Trading Post National Historical Site Marker

Inscription. Welcome
Hubbell Trading Post, established in 1878, is the oldest continually operated trading post on the Navajo reservation. J.L. Hubbell, whose family operated the trading post for nearly 90 years, was known among the Navajo as trustworthy and honest. His trading post became a pillar of the community, playing a large role in helping Navajo families rebuild their lives after the Long Walk.

Please take some time to walk around the site and explore the trading post - active to this day - along with the Hubbell home, barns, and gardens. The visitor center offers engaging exhibits and a bookstore.

Erected by Hubbell Trading Post National Historical Site, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 35° 42.574′ N, 109° 33.465′ W. Marker is in Ganado, Arizona, in Apache County. It is on U.S. 191 west of Park Access Road. The marker is located in front of the visitor’s center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:

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1/2 Mile W Hwy 191, Ganado AZ 86505, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Navajo Nation.

It is also in the American Southwest,

in the Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Also see . . . History & Culture. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior

John Lorenzo Hubbell purchased the trading post in 1878, ten years after Navajos were allowed to return to their homeland from their terrible exile at Bosque Redondo, Ft. Sumner, New Mexico. During the four years spent at Bosque Redondo, Navajos were introduced to many new items. Traders like Hubbell supplied those items once they returned home.

Hubbell had an enduring influence on Navajo rugweaving and silversmithing, for he consistently demanded and promoted excellence in craftsmanship. He built a trading empire that included stage and freight lines as well as several trading posts.
Photographed by James Hulse, June 24, 2024

2. The view of the Visitor’s center and Marker
At various times, he and his two sons, together or separately, owned 24 trading posts, a wholesale house in Winslow, and other business and ranch properties. Beyond question, he was the foremost Navajo trader of his time.

(Submitted on July 11, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Hubbell Trading Post image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, June 24, 2024

3. The Hubbell Trading Post

Inside view of the Hubbell Trading Post image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, June 24, 2024

4. Inside view of the Hubbell Trading Post

The Hubbell Home image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, June 24, 2024

5. The Hubbell Home

Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 380 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 11, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.