Yuma's history dates back to 1540 when Hernando de Alarcon, the Spanish explorer, became the first European to see the site of the present day City of Yuma. 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 1850's, Yuma became the major river crossing of the California gold seekers. From the 1850s to the 1870s, steamboats on the Colorado River transported passengers and goods to mines, ranches and military outposts in the area, serving the ports of Yuma. 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 City and County 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 the third fastest growing area in the country for the period 1990 - 2000, behind Las Vegas, Nevada and Naples, Florida with a growth rate of 49.7% and is also Arizona's third largest metropolitan area, behind Phoenix and Tucson.

Attractions for Yuma include the Yuma State Territorial Prison, which used to hold the most dangerous of Arizona prisoners, in the cells that were carved from rock, now a popular tourist site. Fort Yuma, and the 16th Century St. Thomas Mission. The Quechan Indian Museum is also a popular attraction. Other points of interest include the Laguna, Imperial and Morelos Dams, and the nearby California sand dunes.

YUMA NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION