Exploring Navajo Trading Posts
Between the 1860s and early 20th century, trading posts were a cornerstone of Native American life. They were centers of commerce and socializing among many diverse indigenous people across the American Southwest and Mexico.
While there used to be hundreds, today fewer than 50 remain in the U.S. Discover what makes them so important, then learn about the preserved posts you can visit in Arizona today.
Rare, Historic Trading Posts Still Thriving Today In Arizona
Most Navajo trading posts closed in the era of corporate expansion. As malls and big box chain stores opened in the region, many trading posts were priced out and had to close.
Fortunately, the remaining posts preserve the unique spaces and architecture. They also maintain the unique culture cultivated throughout the Navajo trading posts’ history,
Keams Canyon Trading Post & McGee Indian Art Gallery
The Keams Canyon Trading Post is one of the remaining on the Hopi reservation, rather than the Navajo reservation.
First built in 1894, it’s now the premier source for original artwork and prints by Hopi artists. It also sells handcrafted kachina dolls, Hopi Tewa pottery, and Navajo rugs.
Hubbell Trading Post & Winslow Visitor Center
Hubbell Trading Post & Winslow Visitor Center is the oldest continually operating Navajo trading post in the country.
Visitors can participate in sheep wool and weaving workshops, enjoy a free tour of the historic art collection and home, and, in December, join in the lamp lighting for the Lumeria celebration.
Tuba City Trading Post & Navajo Code Talkers Museum
The Tuba City Trading Post & Navajo Code Talkers Museum was built in 1891. It’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum’s collection and traditional hogan-style building bring an important part of Navajo history to life.
RB Burnham & Company Trading Post
The RB Burnham & Company Trading Post began as a traveling trade wagon in the 1870s, bartering lumber for Navajo and Hopi sheep pelts and artisan goods.
Today, it’s one of the few remaining trading posts where people can barter with goods instead of cash. Groceries and raw materials from Native American ranches are on offer, as are handcrafted Navajo rugs and jewelry.
Teec Nos Pos Trading Post
The Teec Nos Pos Trading Post was first built in 1905. It’s unique among trading posts for its wide selection of books in both English and Diné Bizaad, the Navajo language.
It’s also unique for its status as the primary supplier of the Teec Nos Pos artisan weaving group. The group’s iconic style expands on Navajo techniques, incorporating Persian elements and personal motifs in their pieces.
Historic Cameron Trading Post
The Historic Cameron Trading Post was once known for its iconic suspension bridge over the Colorado River. The bridge was built in 1911, making it one of the oldest in the nation.
Today, the bridge is no longer safe, but the Cameron Trading Post is thriving. It’s expanded to include a restaurant, a hotel, space for weaving and silverwork demonstrations, and a fine art gallery.
Heard Museum & Shop
The Heard Museum & Shop was created in 1929 by former managers and owners of trading posts on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations.
The museum maintains the largest collection of Navajo and Hopi art, hosts exhibits centering Native American artists and styles, and holds events like the Pan-Native Hoop Dance Competition.
Totsoh Trading Post
The Totsoh Trading Post was first built in 1914. Today, it’s a popular spot encompassing a grocer, a butcher shop, a convenience store, an art gallery, and a boutique.
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