Naschitti, New Mexico

San Juan County

35-51280

Naschitti is a municipality and a census- designated place (CDP ) in San Juan County in the U.S. state of New Mexico and is part of the Navajo Nation Reservation.

Geography

Naschitti is located 70 kilometers north of Gallup, 80 kilometers south of Shiprock and 90 kilometers southwest of Farmington. The U.S. Highway 491 runs through the town.

History

According to one story the Navajo Indians observed a badger digging for a cave or for food at a Erdstelle, but proved to be a source of drinking water. Then they founded in 1893 at this point a settlement. The name " Naschitti " derives from the Navajo language for badger = Nahashchidí: from (English badger ). At the source soon Artesian well was created. Later the water was conveyed by means of a windmill. Approximately in 1915, took a small trading center (trading post) on its operation. Around 1922, followed by a Protestant and a Catholic church in 1930. 1934 a day school was opened. This school was closed down in 1958 and replaced by a public school and a high school, which were also used by the surrounding region and are still in operation.

Demography

In 2010 a population of 301 individuals was determined, which means a decrease of 16.4% compared to the year 2000. The average age of residents in 2010 was 39.6 years, below the average of New Mexico, which was 45.5 years. With a share of 94.7 %, almost all residents of Indian descent.