Yuma Information

Although he was not the first white man to visit the area, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino was the first to recognize the Yuma Crossing as the gateway to California. Yet Kino's discovery would not be used for almost a century until another priest, Father Francisco Garces, followed it in his own search for a land route to California.

In 1779 two missions were founded at the crossing by Father Garces, who, along with all the colonists, was later killed during the last major uprising of the Yuma Indians. With the destruction of the colony the crossing again faded from memory. Fifty years passed before it was rediscovered, this time by Kit Carson. It finally became a permanent settlement during the California gold rush.

Lutes Casino on Main Street, the oldest continuous pool hall and domino parlor in the state, began as a grocery store in 1901. Today visitors can play dominos and pool or just browse around the room filled with eclectic memorabilia.

Yuma is host to a number of outdoor events. The city becomes flooded with hunters when hunting season opens over Labor Day weekend. Golf is a popular pastime with 13 lush golf courses from which to choose.