Colorado River:
Old Ferry Landing at Yuma Crossing
Marker:
Old Ferry Landing at Yuma Crossing
Location:
201 N. 4th Avenue
Yuma, Yuma County, Arizona
32.727125, -114.624239
Directions:
Yuma Crossing State Historic Park is situated on nine acres along the Colorado River in Yuma, Arizona, at the Fourth Avenue exit, south from Interstate 8. After crossing the Colorado River, the entrance to the park is on the east side of Fourth Avenue. Yuma, Arizona.
Historical Significance:
This site on the Colorado River was the only natural ford on the southern trail to the Pacific Ocean.
The marker reads, “Site of Old Ferry Landing / Yuma Crossing / Below the junction of the Gila and the Colorado Rivers was the only natural ford on the southern trail to the Pacific. Though often menacing, Indians helped early travellers across on crude rafts. Several ferries operated from 1850 on. Best known ferryman was Louis Jaeger from 1850-77. Ferries were built on site. Held on course by ropes stretched across the river. Operated until bridge was built in 1915. / Marker place by Arizona Society / Daughters of the American Revolution / 1961.”
The Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoaches crossed the Colorado River here.
Dedicated:
1961
Sponsor:
Yuma Chapter, NSDAR
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Unless otherwise noted, images are courtesy of Arizona State Society, DAR, Daughters.