The name of Oljato Trading Post comes from the
Navajo ‘Oljéé’to’ (“Moonwater”). The trading post was founded in 1906 by John and
Louisa Wade Wetherill. Oljato was one of the most isolated places in the United States and the local Navajos had been little influenced by Hispanic and Anglo culture. The Wetherills brought in supplies by horse-drawn wagon from
Gallup, New Mexico, a 21-day round trip. The Wetherills moved to
Kayenta in 1910. The present day structure was constructed in 1921 by Joseph Hefferman, a licensed Anglo trader, who then sold it in 1936. In the following years the trading post had a series of owners. The trading post was a venue for Navajo producers to trade and sell their products. It also served as a social hub in the community. ==See also==