Ortega's Indian Market Trading Post

Route 66, Lupton, AZ
Phone:

East < GO > West

This old Ortega's Indian Market Trading Post was housed in this geodesic dome style building on the old Route 66 alignment south of I-40 at exit 359 in Lupton, AZ. The dome structure looks to be the same as the Meteor City Trading Post and the Indian City Trading Post at Allantown. The market was built around 1970 and closed by about 2003 or before.

This business was owned by Gilbert Ortega. There was an earlier trading just west of the Little Post Office about 1/4 mile west of here. That one was called the Indian Trail Trading Post, owned by Max Ortega. That location was reportedly eliminated when the freeway was built.

In wet weather I recommend turning around here and returning to I-40 and take that to Exit 351. Only short segments of the south service road were part of the original Mother Road, the rest was paved over by I-40.

The trading post shares the location with a closed gas station.

The Arizona Welcome Center is on the north side of the interstate at this exit, as are the Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post and the Tomahawk Indian Store.

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Vintage Advertising Highlights

THE INDIAN VILLAGE
Lupton, Arizona ... Phone 602-688-****
Specializing in Indian handmade arts and crafts. Thousands of items made by Indians. We pack and ship anywhere C.O.D. Wholesale and Retail.
Gilbert Ortega, Owner

INDIAN TRAIL TRADING POST
MAX ORTEGA AND SONS
LUPTON, ARIZONA

NOTE: The first postcard appears to be from the mid-70s based on the cars in the image. The Cafe and Standard signs were located so the could easily be seen from I-40. The cafe building no longer exists. The second postcard shows the earlier trading post in the mid-50s. The back of the Indian Trail Trading Post card has no room to write a message because that space is filled with a mileage chart.
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Photo(s): 2013