Hubbell Trading Post

Well, after leaving the cool, stormy forests of the White Mountains in AZ, we headed North by Northeast up towards Canyon De Chelly in the NE most corner of the state. On the way Diana noticed on the map that the Hubbell Trading Post was a National Monument (read, chance for another Jr. Ranger Badge, plus good info). So we stopped.

As you can see from the picture, we were racing a monsoon storm, so we only stayed about an hour and a half. But in that time we were able to see a great many things and get some neat history. The Post was originally founded by John Hubbell in the late 1800s as a place to trade with the native Navajo (Dine') people for their rugs and silver work and to provide supplies to the local ranchers and miners. The Post was deeded to the NPS in 1965 and turned into a National Monument. It is still an active post and there are authentic rugs, jewelry and baskets offered as well as supplies. Diana just 'had' to have a 20# bag of flour because it came in an old fashioned flour sack.

The buildings were built of native stone and mud adobe and have stood the test of time, though there was some reconstruction going on. We were able to watch an Indian woman weave a traditional rug on a traditional loom (no pictures unless you pay, tradition (Don't get me started on some things, again, not enough bandwidth)).

The girls were able to get their Jr. Ranger badges with a patch, a postcard and other assorted swag. All in all not a bad quick stop before racing ahead of the storm to head toward Canyon De Chelly.