Yuma, Arizona
Yuma's summer temperatures are comfortably balanced by the very low humidity. And, with the abundance of swimming pools and the wide variety of water sports on the beautiful Colorado River, there are plenty of cool ways to pass the time.
Yuma, one of the fastest growing metro areas in the U.S., has become much more sophisticated while maintaining a Western atmosphere. It is a tourist haven in both winter and summer with quality hotels, a variety of restaurants, night life and an abundance of shopping facilities. Recreational facilities include: golf, tennis, fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, and rock hounding to mention a few. Yuma's Calendar of Events is packed with things to do and see while providing a diversity of culture. Yuma is one of the richest historical areas in the U.S. Come to Yuma and enjoy the quality of life!
History
Yuma's colorful recorded history began in 1540 when Hernando de Alarcon, the Spanish explorer, became the first white man to see the present town site. From 1540 to 1854, Yuma was under the flags of Spain and Mexico, but in 1854 became a territorial possession of the United States through the Gadsden Purchase. In the 1850s, Yuma became the major river crossing for the California gold seekers. In its early years, Yuma was identified by several names. From 1854 until 1858, Yuma was known as Colorado City, from 1858 until 1873, it was named Arizona City. Yuma received its present name by the Territorial Legislature in 1873.
The County and City were named for the original inhabitants, the Yumas. The Yumas were a combination of Indian tribes of the lower Colorado Region, which consisted of the Quechans, Cocopahs, and the Mohaves; these tribes were bound by being members of one linguistic group.
Yuma is rich in the history of the old West; mountain men, Fort Yuma Soldiers, river men, railroaders, and the inmates of the infamous Territorial Prison made Yuma's history unforgettable.