Blanco Trading Post, New Mexico facts for kids

Blanco Trading Post (Navajo: Tsii' Łizhin) was a historic store located in northwest New Mexico. It was found along U.S. Highway 550 in San Juan County. For many years, this trading post was an important place for both Navajo families and travelers.

What Was Blanco Trading Post?

A trading post was like a general store and a community center all in one. Blanco Trading Post was a special place where people could buy and sell goods. It also served as a meeting spot for the Navajo community and tourists.

A Hub for Trade and Community

Blanco Trading Post started way back in the 1920s. Wilfred “Tabby” Brimhall and Jim Brimhall were the first people to open it. They created a place where Navajo people could trade their handmade items, such as rugs and jewelry. In return, they could get supplies like food, tools, and other goods. Tourists also visited to buy unique crafts and learn about the local culture.

Generations of Traders

The people who ran trading posts were called traders. They often built strong relationships with the local communities. Justin and Savannah Higgins were fourth-generation traders at Blanco. This means their family had been running trading posts for many generations. They continued the tradition of dealing and trading with the Navajo people and visitors.

The End of an Era

Blanco Trading Post served its community for many decades. However, like many old trading posts, it eventually closed its doors. The store officially stopped operating in 2010.

What Happened Next?

In April 2012, a local businessman named Tom Dugan bought the property. He was the founder of a company called Dugan Production Corp. Today, the site of the old Blanco Trading Post is no longer a store. It is now a private area used for parking vehicles and storing equipment.

Blanco Trading Post in Books

Sometimes, real places become famous by appearing in books. Blanco Trading Post was mentioned in a mystery novel by a famous author named Tony Hillerman.

A Mystery Setting

Tony Hillerman wrote many popular mystery books. His eighth mystery novel, called A Thief of Time, features the Navajo Nation Police. In this book, a character named Eleanor Friedman-Bernal drops off her mail at the Blanco Trading Post. Soon after, she disappears, making the trading post a small part of the mystery!