Yuma, AZ Summary

photo by gusto

Yuma (population 68,000) occupies the banks of the Colorado River in the far southwestern corner of Arizona, near the California state line and Mexican border, and south of the Colorado’s confluence with the Gila River. It is named for the Yuma Indians.

Fort Yuma, built in 1851, provided travelers and settlers with a safe southern route into California.

Prior to being called Yuma in 1873, it was first Colorado City and then Arizona City.

In contrast to the high plateaus of northern Arizona, Yuma lies just 138 feet above sea level. It is the commercial, political, and population hub of Yuma County, Arizona’s largest agricultural area.

Located along I-8, the city continues as a way station for food and lodging (and now fuel) for cross-country travelers just as it did in bygone times.

The Fort Yuma Quechan Museum has exhibits depiciting Native American culture, the early military era, and Spanish expeditions through the Southwest.

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, on 4th Street, was built in 1876 and operated until 1909.

There are flights from Yuma Airport, as well as bus service.