Fort Defiance, Arizona

Fort Defiance: Census designated place in Apache County, Arizona, United States

About

Fort Defiance is a CDP located in the county of Apache in the U.S. state of Arizona. Its population at the 2010 census was 3,624. After 3 years in 2013 city had an estimated population of 4,061 inhabitants.

Fort Defiance is a census-designated place in Apache County, Arizona, United States. It is also located within the Navajo Nation. The population was 3,624 at the 2010 census. 

The name was first applied to a military post established in 1851 for protection of settlers from attacks by the Navajos and other tribes. The original name was Fort Wingate, after General George Wingate (1794–1854), who had commanded troops in this part of New Mexico Territory from 1849 to 1851. The post was renamed Fort Defiance in 1868 because of its location on top of a bluff overlooking the San Juan River valley and its position as a regional center for Native Americans and Hispanics alike; it remained an important military installation for many years thereafter.

The majority of Fort Defiance consists of year-round residences, with only a few businesses operating within city limits. A gas station and convenience store are located on the northern edge of town; there are no other commercial districts in operation within city limits as of 2018. Retail stores are available in nearby communities such as Round Rock and Smith Lake Plaza on U.S. Route 160 or near Tsaile/Wheatfields Chapter House on State Route 264 (Window Rock Highway).

In recent years Fort Defiance has experienced significant economic growth due to its proximity to the Grand Canyon and Page, Arizona. It is home to several casinos and hotels including Buffalo Run Casino and Hotel, Chilchinbito Casino & Hotel, Star Valley Casino & Hotel, and Fort Defiance Hotel & Casino.

Fort Defiance locator map
Location of Fort Defiance on Arizona map.

Quick Facts about Fort Defiance

Population : 4,061 (2013)
Country : United States of America
State : Arizona (United States)
County : Apache County
Postal code : 86504
Phone Area Codes : 928
Water as percent of area : 0%
Land as percent of area : 100%
Altitude : 6,837 feet / 2084 meters
Time Zone : Mountain Time Zone
Local time : 18:36:18 (8th November 2024)
Population growth : 10.76% (2010-2013)
Fort defiance  arizona image
Fort defiance arizona
Fort defiance  arizona image

Geography

Fort Defiance is located at 35°44'40"N 109°4'35"W (35.7444600, -109.0764800).

Fort Defiance map

Demographics

The population of Fort Defiance increased by 10.76% in 3 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 3,624 - census
2013 4,061 10.76% census

Fort Defiance zip code is 86504. County name: Apache, County fips: 04001

People born in Fort Defiance (9)

People born in Fort Defiance, including Navajo leader Chee Dodge, sculptor Rachel Feinstein, composer and artist Raven Chacon, .

List

  • Dan Young (Norwegian photographer) he was born in 29/04/1938
  • Ryneldi Becenti (American basketball player) she was born in 11/08/1971
  • Stephanie Yellowhair (Navajo transgender activist) was born in 13/12/1976
  • Stanley Battese (Navajo painter) he was born in 29/01/1936
  • Homer Green (Peoria-Cherokee artist) he was born in 01/01/1938
  • Jimmy Lewis (Navajo artist) he was born in 01/01/1946

Schools in Fort Defiance

College & universities near Fort Defiance, AZ

Code Name City ZIP
187958 University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus Gallup (NM) 87301

Stations (1)

Amtrak & bus stations near Fort Defiance, AZ

Code Name Address Type
GLP Gallup station 201 East Highway 66 RAIL

Post offices near Fort Defiance

Post Office Name City ZIP
Fort Defian Post Office Fort Defiance (AZ) 86504

Other cities in Apache County

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Apache County , AZ.

City Name Population Title
Cottonwood 12,762 City in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States
Eagar 4,956 Town in Apache County, Arizona, United States
Chinle 4,518 Census designated place in Apache County, Arizona, United States
Saint Johns 3,526 City in and county seat of Apache County, Arizona, United States
Window Rock 2,712 Census designated place in Apache County, Arizona, United States
Springerville 1,985 Town in Apache County, Arizona, United States
Lukachukai 1,701 Census-designated place in Apache County, Arizona, United States
Saint Michaels 1,443 Town in Talbot County, Maryland, United States
Many Farms 1,348 Census-designated place in Apache County, Arizona
Houck 1,024 Census-designated place in Apache County, Arizona, United States
Teec Nos Pos 799 Census designated place in Apache County, Arizona, United States

Distance to Other Cities

Fort Defiance distances to largest Arizona cities