In Yuma, we had reservations at Desert Paradise RV Resort. It was perfect for this juncture because in addition to full hookups, it had showers and a large laundry room we were very ready to use. We liked our site, #100, which was right across the street from the facilities. There was also a pool and hot tub. The residents were very friendly and curious about our teardrop. A link to the website for the RV Resort is below.
https://rvonthego.com/arizona/desert-paradise-rv-resort/
Yuma Territorial Prison
One of the main attractions in the area is the Yuma Territorial Prison. We decided to check it out, but I was not very excited about it. However, we found the prision very interesting!
Yuma succeeded in getting the territorial prison in 1876 because the mayor of Yuma at the time changed the city name on the bill to Yuma while everyone was at lunch. The legislators came back and signed it without noticing the change. He sneaked that by them and likely changed Yuma forever.
The prison housed approximately 300 prisoners at a time and about 3,000 over the 33 years it was in operation. Twenty-seven women were prisoners there and one had a baby during her stay. She was eventually pardoned and everyone hated to see the baby leave, but were happy to see her go. She was evidently not well-liked.
The grounds and area around the prison are attractive today. In the photo below, you can see the Colorado River that separates Arizona and California. The land beyond the river is Winterhaven, California.
The Prison housed most prisoners in the main cell block, pictured below.
The next photo shows one of the cells, which housed six prisoners. It was very close quarters.
The wife of one of the wardens was very progressive. She set up a library and arranged for the prisoners to be taught to read and write. The townspeople came to the prison to access books as the town did not have a library. There was some resentment about that. There was also a doctor/barber at the prison.
There was a guided tour, a short film, and a great little museum. Mug shots were also provided.
Other Activities
Sanguinetti House was another stop. It was the home of a successful Yuma businessman. A docent provided nice information about river boat captains and how life was during the time the house was occupied. That attraction was nice too, but the prison was the best—hands down!
There was an antique car event, Midnight at the Oasis, while we were there and we spent some time checking them out. My husband really enjoyed it. The ‘57 Chevy below was his favorite.
Best Meal
A family member who formerly lived in Yuma recommended Tacos El Cositas and we absolutely loved it. It is basically a food truck with a permanent location with shaded seating provided.
In Conclusion
Yuma was fantastic in all respects. We would love to return. This stop was one of seventeen stops on a 5,000 mile trip. If you are interested in how we planned for such a long trip in a teardrop, the following link describes our process.
Our most westerly stop is next—Julian, California.
