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.
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% |
| Latitude & Longitude | 35.7445,-109.0765 |
| Altitude | 6,837 feet / 2084 meters |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone |
| Local time | 18:29:35 (22nd April 2026) |
| Population growth | 10.76% (2010-2013) |
| Weather | 39℉ Mostly Clear 7-days weather |
Geography
Fort Defiance is located at 35°44'40"N 109°4'35"W (35.7444600, -109.0764800).
Fort Defiance map
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Weather
Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Southwest wind 7 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
7-Day ForecastDemographics
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 |
People born in Fort Defiance (9)
People born in Fort Defiance, including Navajo leader Chee Dodge, sculptor Rachel Feinstein, composer and artist Raven Chacon, .
More notable people
- 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
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Fort Defiance, AZ. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 187958 | University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus | Gallup (NM) | 87301 |
Nearby Transit Stations (1)
Rail and bus stations connected to Fort Defiance, AZ. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLP | Gallup station | 201 East Highway 66 | RAIL |
Closest post offices linked to 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