The trading post still operates as just that and for the first time in its history has a Navajo trader, also a native of New Mexico.
Also on site are a barn, bunkhouse, guest hogan, historic farm equipment complete with farm animals including horses, chickens and Navajo Churro sheep.
Eskeets said Hubbell was well respected among the Navajo people, who grew to trust him for his fair and honest dealing. He said trading was an elegant way of life that allowed people to obtain items they needed to live.
“It’s hard to comprehend what he did for people,” Eskeet said. “It (Hubbell Trading Post) was a wonderful place. It was a true trading post. Navajo people brought their items and they got food.
Eskeets said current laws no longer allow the post to trade goods for other goods, a concept he said is hard for some tribal elders to grasp after years of trading.
“We still do it in a round-about way,” he said. “I buy what they are selling, I pay them and then they give me money for the items they want (in the store).”
Hubbell Trading Post
: For information, including park hours, visit www.nps.gov/hutr or call 928-755-3475.
