The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, with a rich history spanning thousands of years, has long been an integral part of the Lower Colorado River Basin. From their early days as prosperous farmers and traders to their interactions with Spanish explorers in the 1700s, the Mojave people have faced numerous challenges and triumphs. Today, the Tribe continues to thrive through a combination of cultural preservation, economic development, and community growth. From the historical establishment of Fort Mojave to modern-day successes in agriculture, tourism, and utilities, the Tribe has transformed its resources into a vibrant and prosperous community, shaping a promising future for generations to come. Learn more about their rich history below or by visiting www.mojaveindiantribe.com.
The Aha Macav (now Federally designated as the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe) have managed their desert homeland for possibly as long as 8,000 years. Evidence suggests their ancestors migrated into the mountains and valleys along the Colorado River shortly after the last ice age. The Mojave people were prosperous farmers and had established villages and trade routes when the Spanish explorers arrived in the 1700s. The Spaniards mispronounced the name as “mo-HA-vey,” which led to the English spelling “Mohave,” creating the two versions of the name.
In the 1800s, the Mojave resisted settlers drawn by the California Gold Rush. This led to conflicts and the establishment of Fort Mojave in 1859, located on a bluff overlooking the Colorado River crossing of the Mojave Road. The Fort was abandoned in 1861, but was reopened in 1863 due to the Civil War and remained active until 1890. A government-run boarding school was built on the site, serving over 300 Native American students annually. The school was harsh, with punishments for speaking native languages, and eventually closed in 1930. Despite the abandonment of the school, memories from those who attended remain strong.
In the early days, the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe bridged cultural gaps through music, forming a band that became an immediate success. The band performed at major events, including the dedication of the Boulder Dam. Music remains a significant part of the Tribe’s cultural identity today. The old Fort and the Indian school have now given way to the vibrant communities of Fort Mojave and Mohave Valley, marking the Tribe’s continued development.
The Tribe has focused on careful planning and investment to build a prosperous future. Its agricultural operations are highly profitable and expanding. A tribally owned telecommunications company provides service throughout Mohave Valley. Additionally, the Tribe’s convenience store is the highest-grossing in Arizona. The Avi Resort and Casino, with 302 rooms, a five-acre beach and lagoon, a championship golf course, and an RV park, has become a significant hub of activity. The Tribe also owns Spirit Mountain Casino, a franchise JB’s Restaurant, and a Smith’s Food and Drugs store in a new shopping center. The Tribe operates a 500-megawatt gas-fired electric generating plant as a landmark project, leasing land in southeast Mohave Valley.
The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe is the largest employer in southern Mohave Valley, offering full employment for all tribal members who wish to work. It has also opened new employment opportunities for people from neighboring communities. Revenue from tribal enterprises supports educational scholarships, cultural heritage preservation, and new recreational and healthcare facilities for the Tribe. New infrastructure projects, such as the Veterans Memorial Bridge across the Colorado River and the Tribe’s electric utility company, enhance the community’s development and provide essential services. With an expanding economy, the Tribe looks forward to further growth, creating new cultural and economic opportunities for its people.
