History of Apache County, Arizona

Apache County, located in the northeastern corner of Arizona, is a region rich in cultural history and natural beauty. Originally home to the Navajo and Hopi nations, it became a part of the United States after the conclusion of the Mexican-American War in 1848. With its vast expanses of deserts, mountains, and forests, the county has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous indigenous cultures, Spanish exploration, and the westward expansion of European settlers. Apache County is known for its remarkable natural landmarks, cultural heritage, and important role in the development of Arizona’s economy.

Origins and Early History

Native American Heritage

Before European settlers arrived in what is now Apache County, the area was primarily inhabited by indigenous groups, most notably the Navajo and the Hopi peoples. The Navajo were a semi-nomadic tribe who settled in the region around the Diné (Navajo) Nation, making their homes in the Four Corners region, which includes parts of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. They lived in hogans (traditional dwellings) and were skilled in farming, weaving, and silversmithing.

The Hopi tribe, closely related to the Pueblo people, inhabited the high mesas of northeastern Arizona, developing a rich agricultural culture and building multi-story dwellings and ceremonial kivas in the area. These two tribes have long held a deep spiritual connection to the land, and their traditional practices are still vital to the county’s cultural identity today.

Apache County, named after the Apache people (who also lived in the region), was a land of cultural exchange. The Apache tribe, who were known for their nomadic lifestyle, roamed the area during the early 18th century, hunting, trading, and raiding other groups. The Apache and Navajo tribes were often at odds over resources, such as water and grazing land, which contributed to the region’s tumultuous history of conflict and cooperation.

Spanish Exploration and the Impact of Colonialism

Spanish explorers arrived in the Southwest in the late 1500s, looking for new territories to conquer and settle. Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, in search of the Seven Cities of Gold, crossed into what is now northern Arizona in 1540, encountering the indigenous people of the area. While the Spanish did not settle the region immediately, they introduced European diseases and new agricultural practices that had long-lasting impacts on the indigenous populations.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Spanish missions and presidios were established in what would later become part of Apache County, with the goal of converting the native tribes to Christianity. These efforts were largely unsuccessful, as the native populations resisted colonization, and the region remained under intermittent Spanish control until the Mexican War of Independence in 1821.

U.S. Territorial Expansion

After the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ceding much of the southwestern United States—including what would become Apache County—to the United States. As part of this expansion, settlers began to push westward, and Apache County became a strategic location for military outposts, trading posts, and ranches.

The establishment of the railroad system through Arizona in the late 1800s led to further settlement in the region, as settlers flooded into the area to mine for precious metals, raise cattle, and create farms. However, tensions between settlers and the Navajo and Apache tribes increased during this period, especially as the Indian Removal Act (1830) and Indian Wars affected the native population.

Key Historical Events

The Apache Wars and Conflict with Native Tribes

One of the most significant periods in the history of Apache County was the series of conflicts known as the Apache Wars, which spanned from the mid-1800s into the 1880s. The Apache people, led by famous chiefs such as Geronimo and Cochise, fiercely resisted the encroachment of settlers and the U.S. government.

The Apache Wars were characterized by guerrilla warfare, ambushes, and raids on settlers, as well as U.S. military campaigns to suppress Apache resistance. Geronimo, one of the most famous leaders of the Apache tribe, led his people through the rugged terrains of Apache County and surrounding areas, eluding U.S. forces for years.

In the 1880s, after decades of fighting, Geronimo and other Apache leaders were finally captured and forced into confinement. This marked the end of the major resistance from the Apache tribes, and the region began to transition to a more settled, agrarian society.

Establishment of Apache County

The history of Apache County as a political entity began in 1879, when the area was officially established as a county by the state of Arizona. The county was named after the Apache tribe, and it originally encompassed a much larger area, including parts of what are now Navajo, Graham, Greenlee, and Cochise Counties. The county seat was established in St. Johns, and the region quickly became a hub for trade, ranching, and agriculture.

By the early 20th century, the county had become an important player in the development of Arizona’s agricultural economy, with farmers growing cotton, wheat, and corn. The rise of mining in nearby areas also brought additional economic opportunities, and the construction of the railroads facilitated the transport of goods to larger markets.

The Development of Modern Apache County

Over the decades, Apache County saw a shift in its economy as the agricultural industry became more mechanized and urbanization spread across the region. Despite the growth of nearby cities like Phoenix and Tucson, Apache County remained largely rural, with agriculture, tourism, and government services forming the backbone of its economy.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Apache County became home to several significant Native American reservations, including the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe, which remain influential in shaping the county’s economy and culture. These tribes continue to have a strong presence in the county, with many members involved in farming, arts and crafts, and tourism.

Historical Sites

The Navajo National Monument

Overview

The Navajo National Monument is a protected area that preserves the ancient cliff dwellings of the Anasazi (or Ancestral Puebloans) people, who inhabited the region long before the arrival of European settlers. The monument offers visitors the opportunity to explore these historical sites and learn about the ancestral peoples of the Navajo.

Location

Navajo National Monument, 6 miles east of Highway 564, 35 miles northwest of Kayenta, Arizona.

Ticket Price

Entrance is free, but guided tours may require a small fee.

Parking Information

Free parking is available on-site, and the site is accessible by car.

Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site

Overview

The Hubbell Trading Post is a National Historic Site located in the heart of the Navajo Nation. It was established in 1878 by trader John Lorenzo Hubbell, and for over a century, it served as a key point for trade between the Navajo people and settlers. The post continues to be a working store and offers visitors insight into the history of the Navajo people and their interactions with European settlers.

Location

Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, 1/2 mile west of Ganado, Arizona.

Ticket Price

Entrance is $5 for adults, free for children under 16.

Parking Information

Parking is available on-site with ample space for visitors.

Chiricahua National Monument

Overview

The Chiricahua National Monument is a U.S. National Monument known for its dramatic rock formations and its historical significance to the Apache tribe. The area served as a hideout for Geronimo and his followers during the Apache Wars. Today, it’s a popular site for hiking, photography, and exploring the stunning geology of the region.

Location

Chiricahua National Monument, 2 miles east of Willcox, Arizona.

Ticket Price

$10 per vehicle or $5 per person (for individuals entering on foot).

Parking Information

Ample parking is available at the visitor center.

County Facts

Geography and Climate

Apache County is located in northeastern Arizona, bordered by New Mexico to the east, Utah to the north, and Coconino County to the west. The county encompasses a variety of landscapes, including high desert, Ponderosa pine forests, and rugged mountain ranges. The Navajo Nation spans much of the county, contributing to its cultural and economic significance.

The climate in Apache County varies greatly depending on elevation. The lower desert regions experience hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F, while the higher elevations have cooler temperatures year-round. Winters can be cold, particularly in the mountainous regions, and snowfall is common at higher elevations.

Key County Facts

• Year Founded: 1879
• County Seat: St. Johns
• Population: Approximately 71,000
• Population Density: 7 people per square mile
• Largest Cities: St. Johns, Window Rock, Chinle
• Major Highways: Interstate 40, U.S. Route 191, U.S. Route 180
• Adjacent Counties:
  • To the west: Navajo County
  • To the south: Graham County
  • To the east: New Mexico
  • To the north: Coconino County