Historically, the village has also been known as Ash Hill Terrace, Gaspe, Gualpi, Hualpi, Kuchapturela, Valpee, and Wolpi.

[1] Walpi is an ancient stone pueblo complex located on the First Mesa (of three), 300 feet (91 m) above the canyon floor, on the Hopi Reservation.

[2] It is an example of traditional Hopi stone architecture, used for their historic pueblos built at defensive locations on the mesa tops.

Ansel Adams continued in the 20th century, along with increasing tourists' 'snapshots' via Fred Harvey bus tours and their own automobiles up from Route 66.

"[2] About half a dozen in number live in the ancient stone dwellings, without running water or electricity, in the traditional manner.