Navajo Ordnance Depot: Where Indigenous Land Powered the Arsenal of Democracy
Step into Bellemont and discover a hidden chapter in Arizona's military history.
Time Covers - The 90's (1991-12-02)LIFE Photo Collection
America at war
When the Japanese military attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the War Department was left scrambling to prepare for an extended front in the Pacific. There was a sudden need to quickly build military bases, weapons depots, and training sites.
In the quiet town of Bellemont, AZ, the government found a perfect location for what would become Camp Navajo.
The depot’s crucial location
Bellemont was originally founded as a water stop, due to the water springs located there. Despite being just eleven miles from Flagstaff, the town failed to take off, unlike its neighbor. But for the Army, the secluded space was perfect.
The terrain was relatively flat, and provided plenty of space for storage bunkers. It had water and railroad access, and was far enough inland to protect it from coastal attacks. By 1942, Navajo Ordnance Depot was running as a live ammunition storage facility.
Navajo Workers at Navajo Ordnance Depot (1944-05)Arizona Preservation Foundation
Indigenous contributions
The U.S. military contracted construction companies to build the camp, but the bulk of the labor once it was running came from local Native Americans. While many tribes found work at the depot, the majority were Navajo and Hopi.
Native Americans helped to build the depot in 1942, and many stayed on to help with operations, becoming a crucial part of the site. Their importance to the function and culture of the site was demonstrated early on, when what had been designated Flagstaff Ordnance Depot was officially renamed Navajo Ordnance Depot.
Women at Camp Navajo (1944-06-26)Arizona Preservation Foundation
Women also played important roles, helping with labor and rounding out employment numbers to ease labor shortages.
Life at the depot
The majority of the Native American workers lived in Indian Village, which was constructed in the summer and fall of 1942 in the northwest corner of the depot. Hogans, the traditional Navajo dwelling, were added, along with a school.
Navajo Ordnance Depot Trading PostArizona Preservation Foundation
The language barrier and lack of traditional goods initially provided challenges. As a solution, commanding officers invited traders from the Navajo Reservation to build a trading post.
Richardson’s Trading Post opened in the fall of 1943, stabilizing Native American employment numbers and helping create a community.
Camp Navajo (2019-06-27) by Carina F.Arizona Preservation Foundation
Today, the site remains active
Now known as Camp Navajo, the base is currently operated as an industrial park, active munitions storage facility, and regional training site. It is overseen by the Arizona Army National Guard, and managed by the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs.
Camp Navajo (2024-03-04) by John StantonArizona Preservation Foundation
Because it is an active military site, the camp is not open to visitors, However, the surrounding town of Bellemont is known to be a biker-friendly ghost town.
Written by Reese Finnigan. Images sourced by Brook Crowell and Reese Finnigan.
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