Bitahochee Trading Post 1949

Bitahochee Trading Post, Located off AZ 77 near Indian Wells. It was built in 1870 as a stage station. When no longer used as a stage station, it was opened as a Trading Post.  Because it was located at the edge of southern border of the Navajo reservation, it became known as the gateway to the Navajo Nation. Navajo's would sometimes spend days at the post bartering their wool or craft items.  They could stay in the near by hogan. Behind the trading post is a grave of a US Cavalry soldier who was stationed there in the 1870s. Bitahochee served as an enlistment post during World Was II. The Navajo Code Talkers were sworn in there and later departed by bus to their destinations.