The Oldest Trading Post In Arizona Has A Fascinating History
By Monica Spencer|Published November 08, 2016
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
In its heyday, the trading post was a Western mainstay. It was the place to not only engage in trading for goods but also purchasing items, offered a chance to socialize with other community members, to hear news about what was happening locally or nationally, and was one of the prime meeting grounds for people of different cultures.
One of the places to see a number of trading posts still operating in a similar way to how they did in the old days is on the Navajo Nation. Of the more than 250 trading posts that once operated on the reservation, only a handful still stand and even fewer have kept their doors open over the years. One place we’re going to take a look at today also happens to be the oldest operating trading post on the Navajo Nation and perhaps in the state!
Located in the little community of Ganado on the Navajo Nation, Hubbell Trading Post first began serving the community in 1878.
John Lorenzo Hubbell of New Mexico purchased the trading post in that year and expanded the business to eventually run more than two dozen trading posts in the Southwest.
In the years following the Long Walk, Navajo families found that trading with American settlers became increasingly important in order to survive and trading posts were the perfect location to sell handmade goods.
This photo from the late 19th-century shows a collection of Navajo wagons (which, I should add, were used up to the middle of the 20th-century in some of the more remote parts of the reservation) sitting outside of Hubbell's, perhaps in the midst of trading inside. This became a local hub for trading livestock, jewelry, rugs, and pottery in exchange for food staples.
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Inside the trading post's doors, you'll find that not much seems to have changed over the decades.
The creaky wooden floors, small rows of groceries, and an abundant supply of ranch goods sit in this room known as the bull pen, as well as some souvenirs that can double as items for daily use.
You can spend quite some time just sifting through the rug collection to find exactly what you want to take home. They also have jewelry, pottery, and other Native American made goods.
But the little store isn't the only thing you'll find here.
The historic site still looks very much like the homestead it grew to become, complete with a barn, garden, livestock corral, and residences. You can also find a visitors center on site for tours and demonstrations.
When visiting, you'll find not only the buildings but also plenty of the items the Hubbell family used during their years on the property.
Hubbell Trading Post is located in Ganado, just 1/3 mile off Highway 191. Directions from Holbrook can be found on Google Maps and details about visiting the trading post can be found on the National Park website.
Wow, that is one incredible store! If you’ve had the opportunity to visit, be sure to let us know what your experience was like and your favorite thing about your visit! To see more cool historic stores around Arizona, we recommend reading These 10 Charming General Stores In Arizona Will Make You Feel Nostalgic.
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