| What makes it historical? |
John Hubbell purchased this trading post from William Leonard in 1878 as the Navajo were beginning to return to their ancestral lands after banishment to Bosque Redondo, New Mexico. Familiar with both the language and customs of the tribe, Mr. Hubbell was also friends with local Navajo leaders like Ganado Mucho and Manuelito, who fought Kit Carson at the Battle of Canyon de Chelly!
Hubbell’s trading post introduced new supplies, like coffee, to the community, and turned Navajo art—especially rugs and silver work—from a traditional craft to a national commodity featured in the famous hotels of Fred Harvey! Mr. Hubbell’s relatives ran the trading post until 1967 when the National Park Service took over, but it hasn’t stopped serving authentic goodies from its original ambiance! |
