Joseph City, Mormon settlement along Route 66 in Navajo County, Arizona.
Joseph City is a small settlement in northeastern Arizona near the historic Route 66, located in an area of open land and scattered buildings. The community sits at elevation in a semi-arid landscape where the Little Colorado River flows through the region.
The settlement was founded in 1876 by Mormon pioneers and went through two name changes before becoming Joseph City. These shifts in naming reflected the community's evolution and its growing role in the Arizona Territory.
The settlement carries strong roots in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which shaped its founding and early development. Visitors can sense this heritage in how the community maintains its historic buildings and local traditions.
The location sits right along Interstate 40 with easy access to lodging, dining, and fuel services for travelers. Keep in mind this is a very small community, so services may be limited and it is best to plan ahead when possible.
The Jack Rabbit Trading Post opened in 1949 and features an outsized rabbit statue that has become a famous landmark along the old Route 66 corridor. The site draws road trippers and photographers who stop to capture the quirky roadside attraction.
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