Pinedale Ranger Station

Forest Rd. 130 (formerly AZ 260), Apache--Sitgreaves NF, Pinedale, AZ
Local significance of the building:
Conservation; Politics/government; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

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.

The Bisbee Deportation was a dark period in Arizona's labor history: In 1917, the town of Bisbee was the site of a large-scale labor strike by copper miners. The strike was broken up by vigilantes who rounded up more than a thousand strikers, put them on trains, and sent them out of town. Many of the strikers were forced to walk back to Bisbee, and some were beaten and abused along the way.
Navajo County, located in the northeastern part of the state of Arizona, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Apache, and Hopi. These tribes lived in harmony with the land, relying on hunting, gathering, and agriculture for their sustenance.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, seeking gold and new territory. They encountered the Navajo and Apache, but faced resistance and were unable to establish a permanent presence. The Spanish influence, however, brought significant changes to the area, including the introduction of livestock and new crops, such as wheat and fruit trees.

In the mid-19th century, the United States government sought to establish control over the Southwest and displaced many Native American tribes, including the Navajo. This led to a series of conflicts between the U.S. military and the Native American tribes, ultimately resulting in the forced removal of thousands of Navajo people from their ancestral lands, known as the Long Walk of the Navajo.

After the Civil War, the region began to experience significant growth with the arrival of settlers and the expansion of the railroad. Navajo County was officially established in 1895, named after the Navajo people who had once inhabited the area. Ranching, mining, and agriculture played significant roles in the county's early economy. Over time, the county developed into a center for tourism, outdoor recreation, and education, with attractions such as the Petrified Forest National Park and the Navajo Nation Reservation drawing visitors from around the world.

Today, Navajo County continues to honor and preserve its rich cultural heritage while embracing new opportunities for economic development and growth. It remains a vibrant and diverse community that showcases the unique history and traditions of the Navajo and other Native American tribes.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Navajo County, Arizona.

  • 1879 - Navajo County is established by the Arizona Territorial Legislature.
  • 1880 - Holbrook is designated as the county seat.
  • 1896 - The first courthouse in Holbrook is constructed.
  • 1901 - The Navajo Indian Reservation is expanded, spreading into parts of Navajo County.
  • 1926 - Petrified Forest National Monument is established in Navajo County.
  • 1942-1945 - Navajo County is home to the Navajo Code Talkers, who played a critical role in World War II.
  • 1958 - The Navajo Generating Station, a major coal-fired power plant, begins operations near Page.
  • 1964 - The County Courthouse is relocated from Holbrook to its current location in Show Low.
  • 1970 - The closure of the Navajo Army Depot has a significant economic impact on the county.