Leupp is located along the southwest bank of the Little
Colorado River in north central Arizona, in the southwest corner
of the Navajo Reservation and the eastern portion of Coconino
County. Early scattered settlements developed during the 1800s
because of the availability of water along the Little Colorado
River. These had long been a travel route for the Navajo people.
In 1902, a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) boarding school was
established. Shortly thereafter, the school was moved to a new
location now known as Old Leupp.
In 1907, Leupp became the headquarters of the Leupp
Reservation, one of five Navajo Reservations that existed before
1936. In 1936, the Navajo Nation was combined under the pre-sent
administrative center in Window Rock, Arizona.
The Navajo chapter organization was instituted in 1932 to
act as service units for the Agricultural Extension's efforts to
bring in techniques to improve farming. These chapters evolved
into local governmental units servicing surrounding residents.
Leupp is one of the 110 chapters on the Navajo Reservation. In
1961, the BIA rebuilt the boarding school which became the
center for social and political activities. Today, Leupp has been
designated a secondary growth center on the Navajo
Reservation.
Leupp is rapidly becoming one of the reservation's major growth
centers, focusing on high-tech industries. Established in 1982,
Tooh Dineh Industries manufactures complex printed circuit
boards, on-board locomotive computers, modems and other
computer peripherals for the information, communication and
transportation industries. Operating from a 55,000 square foot
facility, the company employs more than 375 people and is the
largest electronics firm in northern Arizona.
Presently, El Paso Natural Gas operates in Leupp. An industrial
park has been developed and is available for occupancy by
light industries and offices.
The services sector is the second major employer in the
community with educational services having the largest number
of employees. Federal and Tribal agencies located in Leupp also
provide a substantial number of jobs. With the numerous
scenic attractions in the area of Leupp, increased tourism is
expected and development of accommodations for tourists is
being considered for the area.
Grand Falls on the Little Colorado, Meteor Crater, and the
Painted Desert are some of the numerous scenic attractions of
unspoiled beauty located near Leupp. Also nearby
are the San Francisco Peaks, Sunset Crater National Monument,
Walnut Canyon National Monument and Canyon Diablo.