Walk Backwards in Yuma
By Bill Pakinkis

If you are interested in going back in time to territorial Arizona, you can retrace the steps of settlers and former visitors in richly historical Yuma. There are many places to start, and perhaps none so unexpected as the Yuma Territorial Prison. Located off Gliss Parkway (Interstate 8, Exit 1), the structure built in 1875 housed some of the worst criminals in the Old West. A collection of artifacts and a video presentation dramatically illustrate the era when imprisonment on this remote desert was infamous repayment for dastardly deeds. Yuma Vigilantes present living history on alternate Sundays.

Further west on the Gliss Parkway, take Madison Ave. to the Century House Museum, headquarters of the Rio Colorado Division of the Arizona Historical Society. It is also the home of the Yuma County Historical Society. The home belonged to E. F.. Sanguinetti, a pioneer who helped see the territory into statehood. The home is furnished to the period and the garden is an aviary, very fashionable in the 19th century.

Next, go north on Madison Ave. to First St. and turn left (west) to Fourth Ave., then right toward the Fourth Avenue Bridge. Just before the bridge, you will arrive at the Yuma Crossing State Historic Park, formerly the site of the U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot and Commanding Officers Quarters. Built in the 1860s, the quartermaster depot was the main supply point for numerous army outposts throughout Arizona Territory. All supplies were transported by wagon or steamboat. The exhibits here feature transportation. The 30-minute video tells of conflicts caused by changes in the population and economy. The officers' quarters may be the oldest Anglo house in Arizona, dating from the 1850s. The rooms are restored accordingly, and the office looks just as it did in 1864-83.

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park Prison Hill Road, 8 am - 5 pm daily. Admission $3 for adults and $2 for students. (520) 783-4771

Century House Museum 240 S. Madison, 10 am - 4 pm Tues. - Sat. FREE admission. (520) 782-1841

Yuma Crossing State Park 201 N. 4th Ave., 10 am - 5 pm Thurs. - Sun. May-Oct. (daily Nov. - Apr.) Call (520) 329-0471 to learn about discounts on tickets to both state parks.

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