Joseph City in Navajo County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Old Fort
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 20, 2010
1. The Old Fort Marker
A group of colonists called by Brigham Young, under the leadership of William C. Allen settled here March 24, 1876. They erected a fort of cottonwood logs and mud on this site. It was first known as Allen's Camp. In 1878 the name was changed to St. Joseph, in honor of Joseph Smith the Mormon Prophet. The people occupied the fort for several years during which time they lived the United Order. In 1923 the name of the town was changed to Joseph City. It is the oldest Mormon community in Arizona.
Navajo County
Erected 1952 by Daughters of Utah Pioneers. (Marker Number 173.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 24, 1876.
Location. 34° 57.364′ N, 110° 19.275′ W. Marker is in Joseph City, Arizona, in Navajo County. It is on Main Street (Business Interstate 40) west of Allen Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Joseph City AZ 86032, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Joseph City, AZ (approx. 6.3 miles away); Wigwam Village #6 (approx. 9.4 miles away); Henry R. Holbrook (approx. 9.8 miles away); Sidney Sapp House (approx. 9.8 miles away); Navajo County Courthouse (approx. 10 miles away); Historic Wagon Road (approx. 10.1 miles away); Little Colorado River Bridge (approx. 10.1 miles away).
Another marker is no longer nearby. Winslow Toreva Highway (was approx. 16 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . History of Joseph City. An article by Legends of America giving the history of the settlement and highlighting a local business called The Jackrabbit Trading Post. (Submitted on September 30, 2010.)
Photographed by Flexible Fotography, October 15, 2023
2. The Old Fort Marker
Photographed by Flexible Fotography, October 15, 2023
3. The Old Fort Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 20, 2010
4. The Old Fort Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 20, 2010
5. The Old Fort Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, October 23, 2020
6. The Old Fort Marker
The marker is made out of petrified wood.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,216 times since then and 89 times this year. Last updated on October 1, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. Photos: 1. submitted on September 29, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 2, 3. submitted on July 17, 2024, by Flexible Fotography of San Diego, California. 4, 5. submitted on September 29, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 6. submitted on November 1, 2020, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
