The first settlers of San Juan, later called St. Johns because the Mormons wanted the "Mexicans" to know they are not in Mexico anymore, arrived the area in December 1872. These settlers are of Spanish descent named Jose Saaverda (married to Esabel Jaramillo) and his father.  They were paid by Mr. Antonio Luna, a rich sheepman who wanted a bridge to build across the Little Colorado river to move his sheep across "El Vado" the crossing. Here the history of San Juan begins. As the town developed, there was no resident before 1876 that wasn't native to New Mexico. 

In 1881 Leandro Jaramillo, Sr. operated a Tavern and Store which was similar to what is known as a convenient store today.  He sold everything from groceries, gas, to alcohol.  The store included a tavern, which jail records indicate that it is possible Butch Cassidy may have been arrested in the tavern. The original owner Leandro Jaramillo, Sr. hung himself in the tavern, leaving a suicide note in Spanish. Leandro T. Jaramillo would then become the second owner until he passed away in 1992 leaving the business to his youngest of five children, Barbara Jaramillo who is now the current owner with support from both her children, Clint Jaramillo and AnnMarie Jaramillo. The Tavern and Store was operating since 1881 and was established in 1934, contributing the community for 143 years.

The Hispanic community celebrated the feast of St. John the Baptist known to this day as San Juan Bautista "Fiestas" on June 24th each year and is hosted by the St. Johns Catholic Church. These celebrations would include dancing, musicians, acrobats, and bullfighting. Today the celebration continues with music, children and adult activities, royalty voting, parade's, BBQ, and more!  Jaramillos Tavern and Store has supported the activities since the doors open and continues to support the fiestas with donations and serving families and visitors as they enjoy the weekend from either buying package to go to dancing under the stars.