Hopi occupied several mesa villages in N.E. Arizona. In 1540, they were visited by some of Francisco Coronado’s men under Pedro de Tovar. However, because of their geographical isolation, they remained more independent of European influence than other Pueblo groups. Pueblos in the foothills were abandoned. New villages were built on the mesas for defense against possible attack by the Spanish.
During the 18th and 19th century the Hopi were subjected to frequent raids by the neighboring Navaho. The region was pacified by the U.S. Army in the late 19th century. Consequently, a Hopi reservation was established in 1882. The ambiguous status of much of the reservation enabled Navaho populations to encroach on traditional Hopi lands. The Hopi are sedentary farmers, mainly dependent on corn, beans, and squash. However, they also raise wheat, cotton, and tobacco, and herd sheep. Political and religious duties revolved around the clans.
Navaho History of the Early Southwest Region
Navaho settled among the Pueblo. They also assimilated with the Shoshone and the Yuma both physically and culturally while keeping a distinct social group. They are a composite group with over 50 separate clans.
In the 17th century, they occupied the region between the San Juan and Little Colorado rivers in N.E. Arizona. Additionally, they ranged far outside that territory. The Navaho were a predatory tribe. They constantly raided the Pueblo and later the Spanish and Mexican settlements of New Mexico.
When the Americans occupied New Mexico (c.1846), the Navaho pillaged their settlements. Kit Carson subdued them in 1863-64 by destroying the Navaho’s sheep. A majority were imprisoned for four years at Fort Sumner in New Mexico. In 1868 they were released from prison. They were given a reservation of 3.5 million acres (1,41,000 hectares) in N.E. Arizona, N.W. New Mexico, and S.E. Utah. By the early 1970s, they constituted the largest Native American group in the United States. Their reservation has grown to over 16 million acres (6,475,000 hectares).
Take your own adventure through the Southwest Native American area. Here’s our Southwest Indian Country Map.