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Yuma, Arizona

Yuma is located in the southwest corner of Arizona on the border of both California and Mexico and is situated on the Colorado river. The city that is now yuma became official in what is now Arizona in 1854, although it was called Colorado City, then Arizona City. In 1873 the town of Yuma was born in name. Yuma is located in the county of Yuma, Arizona and is the county seat. Census bureau estimates the population over 87,000 as of 2006. The area that is now Yuma was settled first by Native American Indian tribes who still occupy the Cocopah and Quechan reservations near the city. Yuma was sought by explorers for its natural crossing of the Colorado river. The Yuma Crossing was originally a steamboat crossing and a prime gateway to the western territory of California.

In 1870 the river was bridged by railroad. Yuma continues to be a major hub for railroad operations and trucking. Yuma's strategic location with Mexico and the United States provide for robust commerce. Yuma is also home to an international airport (Yuma International Airport) and 2 military bases. Marine Corps Air Station Yuma is located adjacent to the Yuma International Airport. Its location to the best training ranges for aviation make it an ideal location for the United States Marine Corps. Yuma Proving Grounds to the north of the town is a US Army base that functions to test equipment and tactics for the US Army.

Yuma is one of the sunniest places in the country. The sun shines in Yuma over 90% of the time in daylight hours. Summer months are hot, with June- September high temperatures averaging over 100 degrees. The rest of the year the high temperatures average from 70-90 degrees providing the best weather in the country most of the year. The beautiful Fall through Spring weather attracts winter visitors that literally double the population during those months. There is something to be said for wearing shorts in November!

The beautiful weather make Yuma an outdoor paradise. Boating is a favorite activity on the Colorado river in the summer. Off-road vehicles, dirt bikes, ATVs, dune buggies, and sand rails have almost limitless areas to enjoy, including the famous Imperial Sand Dunes just west of the town. Hunting is also a popular activity in the county. Yuma is also located directly in between San Diego and Phoenix making either a short trip. For shopping excursions Mexico has the town of Los Algodones on the border.

Yuma is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States in terms of population and commerce. It has been ranked by Money magazine as one of the top places to live in the United States. It has experienced the fastest growth in the nation for manufacturing jobs, and listed by the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics as the #4 city in the nation for job growth. Yuma currently uses less than half of its current available water allocation, allowing for further growth.

Interesting Facts

Yuma is home to the famous Yuma Territorial Prison, now a national heritage area that can be toured daily. From 1876-1909 the prison housed some of Arizona's most notorious criminals. The story of the recent movie "3:10 to Yuma" revolves around a trip to the Yuma Territorial Prison.

Cesar Chavez, famous labor organizer, was born and raised in Yuma, AZ.

October 25, 1911 the first airplane to land in Arizona landed in Yuma, piloted by Bob Fowler.

In 1949 a flight endurance record was set in Yuma by Bob Woodhouse and Woody Jongeward by flying for 47 days straight in the Aeronca plane "City of Yuma."

George H.W. Bush parachuted at the Yuma Proving Grounds in 1997 from 12,500 feet at the age of 73.

George Patton trained numerous troops in desert warfare in the Yuma area during World War II in preparation for operations in North Africa.

Yuma was famous for numerous celebrity weddings to include:

• John Barrymore
• Stan Laurel
• Mary Astor
• Claudette Colbert
• Bette Davis
• Tony Martin
• Louis B. Mayer (of MGM)
• Gloria Swanson
• Loretta Young
• Tom Mix