Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
Arizona

In 1878, 10 years after the Navajo returned to northeastern Arizona from their forced exile at Bosque Redondo in New Mexico, John Lorenzo Hubbell bought a trading post at this site. He established it on a 160-acre homestead that was along an old trade route whose first recorded use was by the Dominguez-Escalante expedition in 1776. John Hubbell had an excellent reputation among the Navajo because he treated them fairly and with respect. Members of his family continued to operate the trading post until it was sold to the National Park Service in 1965. The store is still active and is now operated by the Western National Parks Association, a non-profit group that cooperates with the National Park Service in the operations of many facets of the National Parks in the western US.

When you walk into the Hubbell Trading Post today, what you are seeing is the original structure. Interior and exterior maintenance is ongoing with the intent being to preserve and protect that original structure. Along the road in to the Trading Post you'll pass several 8-sided Navajo hogans: these are original Navajo homes. All the jewelry, baskets, pottery, paintings, and rugs for sale on the property are authentic, hand-made Navajo creations.