Joseph City Arizona
Joseph City is located on Navajo County, Arizona. It is situated on Interstate 40 about 80 miles east of Flagstaff. Mormons had tried to establish communities as early as 1870 in the Little Colorado River territory but they were driven out by the Navajos. Mormon pioneers made several reconnaissance missions to locate river crossings, water holes and suitable trials between 1858 and the early 1870’s. Mormon settlers arrive in the area on March 24, 1876 and founded Allen’s Camp along with three other communities. It was named after William Coleman Allen. The colonists constructed a cottonwood log fort and it became the start of the oldest Mormon colony in Arizona. In 1878, the name was changed to St. Joseph. The name was taken from Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith. St. Joseph, Arizona was changed to Joseph City upon the request of the railroad officials since St. Joseph, Missouri was also on the same Santa Fe Railway line.
Joseph City today is the oldest Mormon colony in Arizona and continues to be the oldest community in Navajo County. It sits at an elevation of 5,280 feet with an estimated population of 1,465 as of 2000 census. It has contributed to a sizable retail trade and service sector in the local economy. It has a mild climate all year round.
