Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, near Ganado, Arizona, includes the oldest continuously operating trading post on the Navajo reservation. Established by John Lorenzo Hubbell in 1878, the trading post has served as an important cultural and economic link between Indigenous (native) Americans and white people in the American Southwest.
The site’s main attractions are the trading post itself, the Hubbell family home, and a visitor center. The trading post carries a variety of Native American arts and crafts. Its rug room holds stacks of woven Navajo rugs, along with such items as baskets, bridles, jewelry, saddles, and water jugs. Business at the trading post is done much as it was in the late 1800’s. The Hubbell home, which contains a large collection of Southwestern art, is open for tours. Demonstrations of Navajo rug weaving take place at the visitor center, which also houses a small museum.
John Lorenzo Hubbell began trading in Ganado in 1876 and purchased the trading post in 1878. He built an extensive trading network that included more than 30 trading posts throughout the Southwest. Hubbell provided the Native Americans with such goods as coffee, flour, and sugar. He bought raw wool and other products from his Indigenous customers, then sold them. In addition, Hubbell held contracts to carry mail and other materials for the United States government. In 1910, he began a service that allowed travelers to rent horses and wagons from the trading post.
During a time when the Navajo were adjusting to life on a reservation, Hubbell often served as their spokesperson and supporter in dealings with the U.S. government. He became a trusted friend of the Navajo, and helped the Indigenous and white people better understand each other. In addition, he enthusiastically promoted Navajo arts and crafts to the rest of the country. For example, he sent out a series of mail-order catalogs that offered Navajo goods to Eastern cities. Hubbell’s opinions also affected the crafts the Navajo produced. For example, he encouraged the Native Americans to use certain popular patterns in their rugs. He supported an effort that brought Mexican silversmiths to the area to share their methods with the Navajo. As a result, Navajo silver work gained popularity.
Hubbell died in 1930. His family continued to run the trading post until 1967, when the National Park Service purchased it. Congress authorized the national historic site in 1965. The Southwest Parks and Monument Association operates the trading post for the National Park Service.
