Why is Gallup New Mexico famous?

Gallup is sometimes called the "Indian Capital of the World", for its location in the heart of Native American lands, and the presence of Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and other tribes. Well over a third of the city's population has Native American roots.

What did they sell in trading posts?

A trading house was typically strategically stocked with goods that the Native Americans would trade furs for; some of these goods included clothing, blankets, and corn . Eric Jay Dolin's Fur, Fortune, and Empire provides some historical context on events and the origins of trading posts in North America.

What is the ethnicity of Gallup New Mexico?

Table Population White alone, percent  24.3% Black or African American alone, percent(a)  1.5% American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent(a)  49.2% Asian alone, percent(a)  3.8% 57 more rows

What is the crime rate in Gallup New Mexico?

With a crime rate of 64 per one thousand residents , Gallup has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 16.

What did people eat in trading posts?

In the summer time, fur traders would eat whatever animal meat was easily available to hunt or fish . They also ate more vegetables in this time. Meat was preserved in salted water so that fur traders could continue eating meat in the wintertime when hunting wasn't as easy.

Does the trading post still exist?

After changing hands a number of times, in 2004, the company (which had grown nationally to 22 print publications and five related websites) was bought for $636 million by Telstra. In April 2009, it ceased printing altogether and moved to an online format only.

How did trading posts make money?

These early trading posts were typically small, one-room stores that sold basic goods such as flour, sugar, and tobacco . They also offered a place for travelers and locals to meet and trade stories, as well as goods.

Why is Gallup the most patriotic?

Gallup has been named America's most Patriotic Small Town by map and atlas publisher Rand McNally. The area has a rich history of acknowledging the heroic contributions of diverse cultures . We are the home of the WWII Navajo Code Talkers and Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient Mr.

Why did Gallup grow as a town in New Mexico?

Gallup, railroad paymaster. When railroad workers went to collect their pay, they said they were “going to Gallup,” and so the name remained. Gallup flourished with the discovery of coal and in 1895 became a railroad divisional terminal.

Is Gallup New Mexico worth visiting?

Gallup's numerous trading posts, galleries and shops offer a unique blend of Native American Culture with a rich abundance of authentic Indian and Southwest Hispanic arts and crafts.

Is Gallup New Mexico tap water safe to drink?

We are committed to producing a high quality drinking water that meets all state and federal standards .

Trading Posts of the Southwest: Gallup, New Mexico (2024)

United States

New Mexico

The Story of Pawn

The mention of the words "pawn shop" might conjure up visions of skid row down-and-outers pawning their watch or guitar for some money to buy an immediate need. But a visit to Perry Null Trading Companywill change that vision.

Native Americans on the reservations must be self-sufficient. There aren’t many places nearby to provide employment and a steady income. It is said that more than 80 percent of the Native American jewelry sold today passes from the reservations near Gallup through the Gallup area. There are many home-based businesses doing weaving, pottery, and silver work.

Native Americans who pawn their family possessions, jewelry, guns, and saddles, do so for two reasons. One it is a way to get a loan to see them through a lean season. And, two, it is a way to store precious possessions. In vaults in back rooms of trading posts you might see beautiful saddles, treasured rifles, ceremonial skins, wedding baskets, and beautiful jewelry, much of it vintage turquoise and silver, handed down for generations. The owners pay on these items monthly and pay the full amount due when they decide to take them out of storage. This is called "live pawn."

At Richardson’s Cash Pawn, another well-known trading post in the Gallup area, more than 95 percent of the items pawned are considered live pawn, and that is not for sale. “Dead" or "old" pawn is what you see for sale. Dead pawn has been abandoned by the owner, and the trader is selling it to get back some of the money he loaned on it.

Buying at a Trading Post

Traders rely on long-established, trusting business relationships with the local Native Americans. This trust is often established over generations in the trading business. Traders know the families and value their business. They deal in authentic Native American objects of art, jewelry, rugs, and pottery and can provide certificates of authenticity for these items. The traders know the origin of these items, meaning they know the families who made them. Dealing with a well-known trader means that you are buying a Native American item only one step removed from the person who made it.

To understand the art and craft items and the trading process, it is helpful to first visit a historic trading post such asThe Hubbell Trading Post,which is still active and is operated by the National Park Service. Toadlena Trading Post,also near Gallup, has a weaving museum that will help you learn about Native American rugs.Richardson's Cash Pawn,right on Route 66 in Gallup, offers tours for groups from eight to 40 people. The tours are free and take about 2.5 hours. You will learn all about the trading system, about Native American art and jewelry and rugs, and see areas of this historic trading company the public would not normally see. You should call ahead to make arrangements. Another Gallup trading post, Ellis Tanner Trading Company,is also worth a look.

Real trading posts deal in local jewelry, rugs, pottery, and art and are not a place to find souvenirs made in other countries. Ask for certificates of authenticity and ask if the items are Native American-made, which family or artisan made the item, and where they live. You should be able to get that information from the trader. Real trading posts conduct ongoing business with local Native Americans. Beware that many souvenir shops use the term “trading post.” There is a real difference between them.

When you shop at trading posts, take your time, learn about the local art, weaving, and jewelry making. Research the prices. Ask a lot of questions. Most long-standing trading posts have very knowledgeable staff members.

Population
White alone, percent	 24.3%
Black or African American alone, percent(a)	 1.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent(a)	 49.2%
Asian alone, percent(a)	 3.8%

Trading Posts of the Southwest: Gallup, New Mexico (2024)

The Story of Pawn

Buying at a Trading Post

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