The Navajo County Historical Society Museum, housed in Holbrook’s historic courthouse, has been a work in progress since 1983. Spanning over 10,000 square feet, the museum is filled with an array of collections and artifacts, each piece donated by local families and history enthusiasts. Volunteers have carefully arranged exhibits that span from Prehistoric times and the Anasazi era to Native American, Pioneer, and Route 66 settings, utilizing every available space within the courthouse’s storied walls.

The Courthouse and Its Origins

Holbrook, established in 1882 with the construction of the Atlantic & Pacific Railway, served as a vital railhead for supplies headed to Fort Apache and other locations. Named after Henry Holbrook, the railway’s construction engineer, the town quickly became the heart of Navajo County. In 1898, voters approved a $15,000 bond to construct the county courthouse and jail at the county seat. The jail, shipped as a single unit from St. Louis, MO, cost $3,000, and the courthouse walls were built around it.

This Gallup, NM brick structure, built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, was completed in 1899. It quickly became the site of significant local history, including the first major trial of George Smiley, who was accused of murder and later hanged in the courthouse yard—the only hanging ever carried out there.

A Transformation into a Museum

By 1976, the courthouse could no longer meet the needs of the growing county government, which moved to a new facility. But in 1981, historically-minded citizens saw an opportunity to preserve the building’s legacy. Through their efforts, an agreement was reached, and on June 13, 1983, the courthouse was officially dedicated as a museum. Today, the museum also provides office space for the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce and serves as an official Arizona Visitor’s Information Center.

With the continued support of Navajo County, the City of Holbrook, and countless private donations, the museum has become a unique experience for all who visit. From the stone walls added by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s to its role in the Route 66 era, the courthouse remains a testament to Holbrook’s rich history. We invite you to explore the museum and uncover the stories and artifacts that we, as caretakers, preserve for future generations.