Navajo County
July 22, 2008 by Carl Chapman
Filed under Arizona
As the last minutes of the Territorial Assembly ticked by before adjourning at midnight, the final act passed establishing Navajo County. Originally, the land that eventually became Navajo County was a part of Yavapai County. Then in 1879, it became part of Apache County. It wasn’t until March 1895 that the county stood on its own as Navajo County.
The name was chosen for the Navajo Indians that live on a large portion of the county’s land. Holbrook was voted the county seat and continues to hold this honor today. It was the 12th county created in the Arizona Territory
The county is situated in the northeast section of the state and encompasses 9,910 square miles. It is a long thin strip of land running north and south. The county is divided into two distinct parts, with the Mogollon Rim as its dividing line. The northern part is arid and desert like. There are mesas and low plateaus. The southern part has rugged mountains and is covered with pinon, juniper and ponderosa pine.
There is an abundance of attractions in Navajo County. Keet Seel Ruins and Betatakin Ruins are in the northern part of the county. The ruins are from the Anasazi Indians dating back nearly 700 years. Almost 135 rooms cling to the cliff’s edge. Visitors need to be prepared to go on a hike to see the ruins. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park stretches 30,000 acres and extends north into Utah. The park has been the site of many movies and commercials. It is a scene that one won’t soon forget.
There are red sandstone formations sprinkled across the desert floor. The rock has been molded into mesas, tall spires and buttes. You may view the valley by car or take a tour off the road to see things up close. Homolovi Ruins State Park was declared an archeological park in 1986. The ruins are of great importance because there seems to be a link between the Hopi tribe of today and the culture found here. The park is just northeast of Winslow.
Fool Hollow Lake Recreational Area is centered on a 149-acre lake with 800 acres of wilderness skirting its edge. Those wanting to fish will find channel catfish, crappie, bass, bluegill and rainbow trout. Camping is another popular past time at the recreational area.
Navajo County is rich in scenic beauty and cultural history.
