Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
W side of Ganado, Ganado, AZThe mobile trader often was the first contact the Indians had with the white man. His products strongly influenced their material culture and economic society. As the middle man, he played a part in their adjustment to the ways of the whites. When the trader later became a resident on a reservation, he provided needed food, as well as materials for Indian crafts, and helped the Indians to adapt to the new environment and culture by advice and encouragement, contributing to the eventual control and adjustment of the Indians. His Welfare depended on the Indian and the Indians on him.
The Hubbell Trading Post, established in 1878 on the Navajo Reservation, is a unique example of the work of these men. It was the most important trading post on the reservation, has been operated for more than 80 years by the same family, and was the first of a chain of Hubbell posts on the reservation.
Navajo trade was considerably influenced by John Lorenzo Hubbell. He is probably more responsible than any one individual for the development of Navajo crafts as a native industry. He took part in helping them to develop their native economy and to adjust to new conditions. His reputation for fairness and good permeated new trading enterprises from which the Navajos also benefited.
Few changes have been made to the present well-preserved post and house, which replaced a smaller structure about 1900, and a barn and utility building. The appearance of these structures, built mainly of native stone, differs little from other trading posts on the reservation. However, the house interior, with furnishings from the late 1800s, collections of old Indian crafts, old firearms, paintings, photographs, books, and large numbers of Navajo rugs, reflects the personality and Interests of the man and his time.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.