Manuelito: The Navajo Chief and Visitor Center

Above, the Manuelito Visitor Information Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in November 2017, after entering New Mexico while on the way to Gallup, I stopped at the Manuelito Visitor Information Center (and rest area) off of Interstate 40 for a break and to pick up some information and maps of the state.

I was curious on how the center got its name.

According to the Four Corners Geotourism website:

The center is named after the famous Navajo Chief Manuelito, who fought against the U.S. from 1858 until 1868, leading a 1,000 strong war party against Ft. Defiance.  From the story, this chief was a great man, revered among the Navajo people. 

The Center is 9,500 sq. ft., built in the shape of a hogan. It boasts a media center with a theatre, WiFi and an information kiosk. A little room in back allows visitors to buy food from a vending machine and mico-wave it. and there's tables to sit and enjoy.  

There are many exhibits of the local history, art and Indigenous People scattered about. I liked the fact that there was an all-indigenous staff on hand.

A week ago, while touring the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, Arizona, I spotted a portrait painting of Chief Manuelito:

Above, Navajo Chief Manuelito at the Navajo Nation Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here is a studio photo of Chief Manuelito, of which the portrait is based:

According to Wikipedia:

Chief Manuelito (1818–1893) was one of the principal headmen of the Diné people before, during and after the Long Walk Period. His name means Little Manuel in Spanish. He was born to the Bít'aa'níí or ″Folded Arms People Clan″, near the Bears Ears in southeastern Utah about 1818. As many Navajo, he was known by different names depending upon context. He was Ashkii Diyinii (Holy Boy), Dahaana Baadaané (Son-in-Law of Late Texan), Hastiin Ch'ilhaajinii ("Man of the Black Plants Place")[2] and as Nabááh Jiłtʼaa (War Chief, "Warrior Grabbed Enemy") to other Diné, and non-Navajo nicknamed him "Bullet Hole". 

Manuelito was a prominent Navajo leader who rallied his nation against the oppression of the United States military. For several years he led a group of warriors in resisting federal efforts to forcibly remove the Navajo people to Bosque Redondo, New Mexico via the Long Walk in 1864. After being relocated to Bosque Redondo, Manuelito was among the leaders who signed the 1868 treaty, ending a period of imprisonment in United States government internment camps and establishing a reservation for the Navajo. Manuelito was also an advocate for western education for Navajo children, with his infamous quote, “… My grandchildren, education is a ladder. Tell our people to take it."