Native American Trading Mural

Gallup, New Mexico

New MexicoRoadside Attraction

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Gallup, New Mexico, is home to more than 20 murals celebrating the region’s history and cultures. Downtown Gallup features many of these murals within walking distance, making it easy to create a DIY walking tour. Themes include mining, rodeos, western life, the Long Walk, and Native American trading.

The Native American Trading Mural in Gallup, New Mexico, painted by Chester Kahn in 2005, tells the story of trading posts and their deep ties to Native American communities. In the late 1800s, government-licensed traders set up posts on reservations, learning native languages and building relationships that lasted generations.

These traders provided credit to Native Americans during off-seasons, accepting rugs, jewelry, and other valuables as collateral in a system called pawn, built entirely on trust. By the 1920s, appreciation for Native American art grew, with traders playing a key role in supporting artisans.

As tribes moved toward self-sufficiency in the 1960s, reservation trading slowed, and Gallup became a hub for traders and Native artisans alike. Community members Joe Tanner, Jim Turpen, and Theresa Wilkins helped guide the creation of this mural, a tribute to the shared history of Gallup and Native American artistry on Route 66.

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Native American Trading Mural in Gallup, New Mexico

Native American Trading Mural

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Address:

237 W Coal Ave, Gallup, NM 87301

Hours:

Visible 24/7

Cost:

Free

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Photos of the Native American Trading Mural in Gallup, New Mexico

Native American Trading Mural in Gallup, New Mexico
Native American Trading Mural in Gallup, New Mexico

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Native American Trading Mural in Gallup, New Mexico, here are some things to know before you go.

What is the Native American Trading Mural?

The Native American Trading Mural is a public artwork in downtown Gallup that celebrates the long history of trading between Native American artisans and traders in the region. Painted by artist Chester Kahn, the mural highlights the important role trading posts played in the cultural and economic development of Gallup and surrounding Native communities.

Where is the Native American Trading Mural located?

The mural is painted on the exterior of Tanner’s Indian Arts at the corner of Third Street and Coal Avenue in downtown Gallup. It is one of the featured stops on Gallup’s self-guided mural walking tour.

Is there parking nearby?

Park your car and walk around Gallup to explore all of the murals in town. Find the full Downtown Gallup Mural Walking Tour here.

Where to Stay Near the Native American Trading Mural

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these Route 66 hotels in or near Gallup, New Mexico.

Historic El Rancho Hotel

One of the best motels on Route 66, Historic El Rancho Hotel is located close to this Route 66 roadside attraction. Sleep where the stars have at this 1940s hotel that has hosted some of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars and makers, including Robert Mitchum, Elia Kazan, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, William Holden, Billy Wilder, Kirk Douglas, Gregory Peck, Troy Donahue, and more. Photos of the stars are peppered throughout the intricately designed property and each room is themed with a star’s photo and information.

Sands Motel

Sands Motel is a budget-friendly classic Route 66 motel in Grants, New Mexico. The vintage motel has carpeted floors, cable TV, microwaves, mini refrigerators, and WiFi.

Gallup, New Mexico is just a short drive to Arizona Route 66 and the Petrified Forest National Park. Enhance your visit to the area with a tour!

Attractions Near the Native American Trading Mural on Route 66

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Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

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