What is Fort Defiance, Arizona, and where is it located?

Fort Defiance is a census-designated place (CDP) situated in Apache County, Arizona. It is also located within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation. The CDP is positioned on the Defiance Plateau, approximately 4 miles north of Window Rock, Arizona.

What is the Navajo name for Fort Defiance, and how is it pronounced?

The Navajo name for Fort Defiance is Tséhootsooí. It is pronounced approximately as tseh-hoh-tsoo-ee. This name is also used for the Navajo language immersion school located in the CDP.

What were the geographical coordinates of Fort Defiance, Arizona?

The geographical coordinates for Fort Defiance, Arizona, are 35 degrees, 44 minutes, and 51 seconds North latitude and 109 degrees, 04 minutes, and 07 seconds West longitude. These coordinates can also be expressed in decimal degrees as approximately 35.74750 degrees North and -109.06861 degrees West.

What is the total area of Fort Defiance, and how much of it is land versus water?

Fort Defiance has a total area of 6.41 square miles (16.60 square kilometers). Of this total area, 6.41 square miles are land, and there is no area designated as water, meaning 0.00 square miles is water.

What is the elevation of Fort Defiance, Arizona?

The elevation of Fort Defiance, Arizona, is 6,798 feet (2,072 meters) above sea level.

What was the population of Fort Defiance according to the 2020 census?

According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of Fort Defiance was 3,541 individuals. The population density was calculated at 552.59 people per square mile (213.36 per square kilometer).

What was the population of Fort Defiance in the 2010 census?

The population of Fort Defiance was recorded as 3,624 at the 2010 United States Census. This figure reflects the number of residents counted in that year's demographic survey.

What languages are spoken at home by residents of Fort Defiance?

In Fort Defiance, residents speak both Navajo and English at home. According to data from 2000, 54.6% of residents spoke Navajo at home, while 45.4% spoke English at home.

What was the racial makeup of Fort Defiance in the 2000 census?

In the year 2000, the racial composition of Fort Defiance was predominantly Native American, making up 92.9% of the population. White individuals constituted 4.5%, Asians accounted for 0.3%, and Black or African Americans represented 0.2%. Additionally, less than 0.1% identified as Pacific Islander, 0.2% were from other races, and 1.9% identified as being from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals, regardless of race, made up 1.4% of the population.

What were the household and family demographics in Fort Defiance as of the 2000 census?

As of the 2000 census, Fort Defiance had 1,115 households and 890 families. The average household size was 3.61 people, and the average family size was 4.15 people. Of the households, 49.2% included children under 18, 43.8% were married couples, 30.3% were female householders with no husband present, and 20.1% were non-families. About 18.2% of households consisted of individuals, with 2.9% of those individuals being 65 years or older living alone.

What was the age distribution of the population in Fort Defiance in 2000?

The population of Fort Defiance in 2000 had a significant proportion of younger residents. Specifically, 40.0% were under the age of 18, 9.2% were between 18 and 24, 27.1% were between 25 and 44, 19.1% were between 45 and 64, and 4.5% were 65 years of age or older. The median age for the CDP was 26 years.

What was the gender ratio and median income in Fort Defiance in 2000?

In 2000, Fort Defiance had a gender ratio of 89.8 males for every 100 females, and 82.9 males for every 100 females aged 18 and over. The median household income was $33,125, and the median family income was $35,448. Males earned a median income of $35,455, compared to $24,522 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $10,716.

What percentage of Fort Defiance's population lived below the poverty line in 2000?

In 2000, approximately 29.5% of the population in Fort Defiance lived below the poverty line. This included 35.0% of those under age 18 and 32.5% of those aged 65 or over. About 27.9% of families were also living below the poverty line.

What school district serves Fort Defiance, and which schools are located there?

Fort Defiance is part of the Window Rock Unified School District. The schools serving the CDP include Window Rock Elementary School, Tséhootsooí Middle School, and Window Rock High School.

What is the purpose and methodology of the Tséhootsooí Diné Bi'óolta' school?

Tséhootsooí Diné Bi'óolta' is a Navajo language immersion school operated by the Navajo Nation for grades K-8. Its primary goal is to revitalize the Navajo language among children within the Window Rock Unified School District. The school employs thirteen Navajo language teachers who instruct exclusively in Navajo, while five English teachers instruct in English. Kindergarten and first grade are taught entirely in Navajo, with English introduced gradually starting in the third grade.

Who first noted the land for Fort Defiance for the U.S. military?

Colonel John Washington was the first to note the land where Fort Defiance would eventually be established. He did so during his return journey from an expedition to Canyon de Chelly.

When and by whom was Fort Defiance established, and for what purpose?

Fort Defiance was established on September 18, 1851, by Colonel Edwin V. Sumner. Its purpose was to create a military presence within Diné bikéyah, which is Navajo territory. This involved breaking up the fort at Santa Fe, New Mexico, to create this new post.

What was significant about the establishment of Fort Defiance in 1851?

The establishment of Fort Defiance in 1851 marked the creation of the first military post in what is now the state of Arizona. Colonel Edwin V. Sumner founded it to assert a U.S. military presence in Navajo territory.

Who was the first commander left in charge of Fort Defiance?

Major Electus Backus was left in charge of Fort Defiance when it was first established by Colonel Edwin V. Sumner.

What conflict arose concerning the land used for Fort Defiance?

Fort Defiance was built on valuable grazing land that the federal government subsequently prohibited the Navajo people from using. This restriction led to significant conflict and fighting.

When did major attacks occur at Fort Defiance?

The fort experienced intense fighting due to the land conflict, with two major attacks occurring in 1856 and again in 1860. The latter is specifically referenced as the Second Battle of Fort Defiance.

Why was Fort Defiance abandoned in 1861?

Fort Defiance was abandoned by the army in 1861 at the onset of the American Civil War. The military presence was withdrawn during this period of national conflict.

Who was sent to impose order in the Fort Defiance area after its abandonment?

Following continued Navajo raids in the area after the fort's abandonment, Brigadier General James H. Carleton dispatched Kit Carson to restore order.

When was Fort Defiance reestablished, and under what new name?

The fort was reestablished in 1863 under the name Fort Canby. This occurred at the direction of General James H. Carleton and served as a base for Kit Carson's operations against the Navajo.

What was General Carleton's strategy against the Navajo, and what was its impact?

General Carleton implemented a brutal strategy against the Navajo people. This involved forcing thousands of starving Navajo onto a 450-mile journey known as the Long Walk of the Navajo, interning them near Fort Sumner, New Mexico, and destroying much of their livestock. This campaign aimed to subdue the Navajo population.

What happened to Fort Canby after the Navajo campaign of 1864?

After the completion of the campaign in 1864, Fort Canby was abandoned again. The remaining Navajo people burned the fort, leaving only its walls standing.

When was Fort Defiance reestablished as an Indian agency, and why?

Fort Defiance was reestablished as an Indian agency in 1868, following the Navajo Treaty of 1868. This treaty allowed the interned Navajo people to return to a portion of their ancestral lands.

What significant educational milestone occurred at Fort Defiance in 1870?

In 1870, the first government school specifically for the Navajo people was established at Fort Defiance. This marked an early effort to provide formal education to the Navajo community.

What are the current governmental uses of the Fort Defiance site?

Today, the site of Fort Defiance is utilized by various governmental agencies. These include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service, and the Navajo Nation itself. Buildings on the site date from the 1930s to the present day.

What was the primary function of the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital?

The largest building on the Fort Defiance site until 2002 served as the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital. It provided essential healthcare services to the community.

On what geographical feature is Fort Defiance located?

Fort Defiance is situated on the Defiance Plateau. This plateau forms the elevated terrain upon which the community and historical fort are located.

What is the time zone for Fort Defiance, Arizona?

Fort Defiance, Arizona, observes the Mountain Standard Time Zone (MST), which corresponds to UTC-7.

What is the ZIP code for Fort Defiance, Arizona?

The ZIP code for Fort Defiance, Arizona, is 86504.

What is the area code that serves Fort Defiance, Arizona?

The area code serving Fort Defiance, Arizona, is 928.

What is the FIPS code assigned to Fort Defiance, Arizona?

The Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) code for Fort Defiance, Arizona, is 04-24460.

What is the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) feature ID for Fort Defiance?

The GNIS feature ID for Fort Defiance is 2408236.

What does the image caption 'Fort Defiance, New Mexico (now Arizona) by Seth Eastman (1808–1875), painted 1873' describe?

The image caption describes a painting of Fort Defiance, which was located in New Mexico at the time of the painting but is now part of Arizona. The artwork was created by Seth Eastman, an artist who lived from 1808 to 1875, and the painting itself dates to 1873.

What information is conveyed by the image caption 'Navajo silversmith Náltsos Nigéhani, or Paper-carrier, also known as Jake, employed as a mail-carrier between Fort Wingate and Fort Defiance.'?

This caption identifies a Navajo silversmith named Náltsos Nigéhani, whose English name was Jake. It also notes his role as a mail-carrier, facilitating communication and transport between Fort Wingate and Fort Defiance.

What does the image caption 'Navajo family with loom. Near Old Fort Defiance, New Mexico. Albumen print photograph, 1873.' depict?

The caption describes an albumen print photograph taken in 1873 near the site of Old Fort Defiance in New Mexico. The photograph captures a Navajo family engaged in weaving, likely using a traditional loom.

What is the significance of the Navajo name Tséhootsooí in relation to the school system?

The Navajo name Tséhootsooí, meaning Fort Defiance, is also the name of a Navajo language immersion school located in the CDP. This school, Tséhootsooí Diné Bi'óolta', serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade and aims to revitalize the Navajo language.

What is the relationship between Fort Defiance and the Defiance Plateau?

Fort Defiance is geographically situated on the Defiance Plateau. This plateau is a significant geological feature in the region where the CDP is located.

What does the term 'CDP' signify in the context of Fort Defiance?

CDP stands for Census-designated place. This designation means that Fort Defiance is a statistical entity defined by the U.S. Census Bureau for data collection purposes, rather than being an incorporated municipality with its own local government.

What was the role of Fort Canby during its reestablishment?

Fort Canby was reestablished in 1863 as a military base specifically to support Kit Carson's operations against the Navajo people. Its purpose was to serve as a strategic point for military actions during that period.

What does the Navajo Nation's operation of Tséhootsooí Diné Bi'óolta' aim to achieve?

The Navajo Nation operates Tséhootsooí Diné Bi'óolta' with the goal of revitalizing the Navajo language among children. This immersion school focuses on preserving and promoting the use of the Navajo language within the community.

What is the significance of the Navajo Treaty of 1868 in relation to Fort Defiance?

The Navajo Treaty of 1868 was significant because it allowed the Navajo people who had been interned to return to a portion of their land. Following this treaty, Fort Defiance was reestablished as an Indian agency that same year.

What does the presence of multiple governmental agencies at the Fort Defiance site indicate about its current role?

The continued use of the Fort Defiance site by agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service, and the Navajo Nation indicates its ongoing importance as a center for administration, healthcare, and services within the Navajo Nation, even after its military function ceased.

Fort Defiance Arizona Wiki: Fort Defiance: A Historical Nexus in the Navajo Nation

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Overview

Location and Designation

Fort Defiance is a census-designated place (CDP) situated in Apache County, Arizona, United States. It holds significant cultural and historical importance as it is located within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation (Diné bikéyah).

Indigenous Heritage

The community is known by its Navajo name, Tséhootsooí (pronounced [tséhootsoói]), reflecting its deep roots within the Navajo culture and language.

Population Context

As per the 2010 census, the population of Fort Defiance was recorded at 3,624 individuals. Subsequent data indicates a population of 3,541 in 2020, underscoring its role as a significant community center within the region.

Historical Trajectory

Military Origins and Conflict

The site's military history began with Colonel John Washington's expedition. Fort Defiance was officially established on September 18, 1851, by Colonel Edwin V. Sumner, marking the first U.S. military post in present-day Arizona. Its strategic location on valuable grazing land, however, led to conflict with the Navajo people, resulting in intense fighting and two major attacks in 1856 and 1860. The fort was abandoned by the army at the onset of the Civil War.

The Long Walk and Reestablishment

In 1863, Brigadier General James H. Carleton reestablished the post as Fort Canby to support Kit Carson's operations against the Navajo. This campaign culminated in the forced relocation of thousands of Navajo people on the infamous "Long Walk" to internment near Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Following the completion of this campaign in 1864, the fort was again abandoned and subsequently burned by remaining Navajo, leaving only its walls.

Agency and Education

The Navajo Treaty of 1868 permitted the return of the interned Navajo to a portion of their lands. Fort Defiance was reestablished that same year as an Indian agency. Significantly, in 1870, the first government school for the Navajo was established at this location, marking a new chapter in the site's history.

Colonel Edwin V. Sumner: Established Fort Defiance in 1851.
Brigadier General James H. Carleton: Oversaw operations leading to the Long Walk.
Kit Carson: Led military campaigns against the Navajo from the reestablished fort (Fort Canby).
Nálisis Nigéhani (Jake, the Paper-carrier): Employed as a mail carrier between Fort Wingate and Fort Defiance, noted in historical records.
Navajo Families: Depicted in 1873 photographs near Old Fort Defiance, showcasing traditional life including weaving looms.

Geographical Context

Plateau Location

Fort Defiance is strategically situated on the Defiance Plateau, an elevated geographical feature that provides a distinct landscape within the region. It lies approximately 4 miles (6 km) north of the prominent landmark, Window Rock, Arizona.

Area and Land Use

According to data from the United States Census Bureau, the census-designated place (CDP) of Fort Defiance encompasses a total area of 6.41 square miles (16.60 km²). This entire area is designated as land, with no significant water bodies within its defined boundaries.

Elevation

The community rests at an elevation of 6,798 feet (2,072 meters) above sea level, placing it within a high-altitude environment characteristic of the Colorado Plateau region.

Demographic Profile

Population Trends

The population of Fort Defiance has seen shifts over the years. The 2010 census recorded 3,624 residents, while the 2020 census indicated a population of 3,541. This reflects a slight decrease, maintaining its status as a CDP with a substantial community presence.

Ethnic Composition

The demographic makeup is predominantly Native American, with 92.9% identifying as such in the 2000 census. Other racial groups constituted smaller percentages, including White (4.5%), Asian (0.3%), Black or African American (0.2%), Pacific Islander (<0.1%), and individuals identifying with two or more races (1.9%). Hispanic or Latino individuals represented 1.4% of the population.

Household and Family Structure

In 2000, Fort Defiance comprised 1,115 households, with an average size of 3.61 people. Family households represented a significant portion, with 43.8% being married couples and 30.3% headed by females without a husband present. The age distribution showed a large proportion of residents under 18 (40.0%), indicating a relatively young population.

Economic Indicators

The median household income in 2000 was $33,125, with median family income at $35,448. Males reported a higher median income ($35,455) compared to females ($24,522). Approximately 29.5% of the population lived below the poverty line, highlighting socioeconomic challenges within the community.

Linguistic Landscape

The linguistic diversity is notable, with a significant portion of the population speaking Navajo at home. Data from 2000 indicates that 54.6% of residents spoke Navajo at home, while 45.4% spoke English.

Languages Spoken at Home (2000)
Language	Percentage
Navajo	54.6%
English	45.4%

Educational Landscape

School District Affiliation

Fort Defiance is educationally served by the Window Rock Unified School District. This district encompasses several schools, including Window Rock Elementary School, Tséhootsooí Middle School, and Window Rock High School, providing educational services to the local student population.

Navajo Language Immersion

A distinctive educational initiative within Fort Defiance is Tséhootsooí Diné Bi'óolta', a Navajo language immersion school operated by the Navajo Nation. This K-8 institution is dedicated to the revitalization of the Navajo language among students within the Window Rock Unified School District. The school employs Navajo language teachers who conduct instruction solely in Navajo, alongside English language teachers. This dual-language approach aims to foster cultural preservation and academic achievement.

Sources

Cited Information

The content presented on this page is derived from publicly available data, primarily sourced from Wikipedia. The specific references are programmatically listed below.

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References

U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Fort Defiance, Arizona

Defiance Plateau

A full list of references for this article are available at the Fort Defiance, Arizona Wikipedia page

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence model and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The content is based on data extracted from publicly accessible sources, such as Wikipedia, and may not represent the most current or complete information available. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, the information should be considered a starting point for further research.

This content does not constitute professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for consultation with qualified historians, cultural experts, government officials, or other relevant professionals. Users should exercise their own judgment and seek expert advice for specific applications or decisions related to the subject matter.

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Fort Defiance: Echoes of the Past, Heart of the Present

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Overview ℹ️

📍 Location and Designation

🗣️ Indigenous Heritage

👥 Population Context

Historical Trajectory 📜

⚔️ Military Origins and Conflict

🚶‍♂️ The Long Walk and Reestablishment

🤝 Agency and Education

Geographical Context 🗺️

⛰️ Plateau Location

📏 Area and Land Use

⬆️ Elevation

Demographic Profile 👥

📊 Population Trends

🌍 Ethnic Composition

🏠 Household and Family Structure

💰 Economic Indicators

🗣️ Linguistic Landscape

Educational Landscape 🎓

🏫 School District Affiliation

📚 Navajo Language Immersion

Sources 🔗

📖 Cited Information

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Location and Designation

Indigenous Heritage

Population Context

Historical Trajectory

Military Origins and Conflict

The Long Walk and Reestablishment

Agency and Education

Geographical Context

Plateau Location

Area and Land Use

Elevation

Demographic Profile

Population Trends

Ethnic Composition

Household and Family Structure

Economic Indicators

Linguistic Landscape

Educational Landscape

School District Affiliation

Navajo Language Immersion

Sources

Cited Information

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice