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Sells, Papago Reservation
Named after Commissioner of Indian Affairs Cato Sells, this Papago Reservation CDP (Census Designated Place) is capital of Papago Reservation. Before Papago Reservation was established in 1916, the Menager brothers (Joseph and Louis) operated a store or stores at what was then named Indian Oasis. Chief Rocky Boy probably took action for landless Ojibwa's living at southeast Arizona as early as 1908 or even earlier. As many as 4,000 landless Kickapoo Ojibwa's lived at southern Arizona during the 1890's. After chief Rocky Boy agreed to withdraw Ojibwa Soldiers from Mexico's 1910-1920 Civil War, Papago Reservation and other Reservations were established. Some former Reservations were also returned to chief Rocky Boy. According to 2020's census, the population of Sells is 2,121. Natives make up 96.7% of the population. Mexicans 5.3%. Mixed bloods 1.5%. Whites 1.4%. Blacks 0.1%. Between 2010 and 2020, the population of Sells decreased from 2,495 to 2,121. A population decrease of -15.0%. Elevation of Sells is 2,392 feet above sea level or 729 meters. It's higher elevation keeps the region a few degrees cooler during summer months. However, summers at Sells are still very hot. During July Monsoon Rains commence and last through September. As a result of Monsoon Rains, the Sells region is actually not a desert. It's categorized a desert region because of the very hot summers. On average Sells receives 11 inches of precipitation yearly. Both June and July have maximum highs near 100. For June 98 and July 99. Precipitation during July's, August's and September's produce a lush desert like scene. Winters are unusually warm for a location with an elevation near 2,400 feet. January and December both have an average maximum of 66. Yuma is 168 miles slightly to the northwest and it's elevation is 256 feet above sea level or 78 meters. December is the coldest month at Yuma. It wasn't always that way. January was originally the coldest month. Average maximum for December's at Yuma is 67. There's a discrepancy yet the reason why Sells has mild winters is the mountains to the north of the community. Both Sells and Yuma will experience winter like weather yet not often. More so for Sells than Yuma. Of course, Yuma is over 2,000 feet lower in elevation. Late 19th century climate data of Yuma indicate Yuma must experience winter like weather. January was the coldest month during those times with an average January maximum of 64 or 65. It was more common then for highs in the 50's and even 40's during Yuma winters. At this time highs in the 50's at Yuma happen only 5 to 10 times a year. Ojibwa's from much further north would not like the hot climate conditions of Sells. They'd even be bothered by the winters at Sells. For a community of over 2,000 people Sells has few businesses. It's located on "Reservation Trust Land" and has no source of revenue. It can't collect City, County, Federal and State taxes. Below are links to a Bing Maps satellite image of Sells and google maps photos of Sells.
Sells Satellite Image
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