Yuma AZ Moving Companies

Yuma, Arizona

Yuma, Arizona is a vibrant multicultural community that celebrates its rich heritage, surrounded by wide-open spaces and pristine desert scenery. With more sunshine than any other city on earth, Yuma is a natural for all kinds of outdoor activities, from boating to golf to off-roadng, and is celebrated for its low-priced housing and tightknit communities. Those moving to Yuma will certainly find a gorgeous and welcoming place to call home.

History:
What put Yuma on the map for Americans was the gold rush of 1849, when thousands of fortune hunters headed west, seeking the quickest way to reach California. In one year, more than 60,000 travelers passed through what was then Colorado City, following the Gila Trail. By 1857, the first stage road was built from San Diego to San Antonio, with stages carried across the river aboard the rope ferry. Amid the Civil War in 1863, President Lincoln signed the bill creating the territorial government, and in 1864, pony express service was established through Arizona City. Formally incorporated as Arizona City in 1871, the town was renamed once more in 1873 to Yuma. Following Pearl Harbor, Yuma went on war footing along with the rest of the country. The Civil Aeronautics Administration had authorized permanent runways at Fly Field in 1941; now activity ramped up and Yuma Army Air Base was established at the site. By 1943, the Army also had opened the Yuma Test Branch at the present-day site of Yuma Proving Ground.

However, when the war ended in 1945, military activity came to an end. Flights ceased at Yuma Army Air Base and the area was partly reclaimed by desert. By 1949, with Yuma's postwar economy looking a bit grim, the Yuma Jaycees decided to stage an elaborate publicity stunt to spotlight the area's year-round perfect flying weather: an attempt to set a record for nonstop flying. In 1988, the historic Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge was closed to vehicle traffic, seemingly ending an era and sealing the fate of "old Yuma." But many in the community refused to give up, and in 1995, city workers and volunteers worked together to clear brush, plant grass and install portable toilets to create "Madison Beach Park" in the historic crossing area. Today, the city continues to work toward providing advantages to its proud residents.

Economy:
At the borders of Arizona, California and Mexico, the Yuma region is ideally positioned for just-in-time delivery. San Diego and Phoenix are within three hours, and Las Vegas and Los Angeles less than five hours away. With the exception of a seaport, Yuma offers the widest range of transportation options available. Interstate-8 offers easy access to the interstate highway system via seven interstate carriers, and a main line of the Union Pacific Railroad runs through the area. The U.S. Port of Entry at San Luis is among the country's ten busiest border crossings. A brand-new commercial port and four-lane, restricted access highway provide a direct connection from the border to the interstate, facilitating import and export of goods. Its "Bi-national Strategy for Greater Yuma" recognizes that communities on both sides of the border are linked economically and culturally, and that fostering cross-border relationships and activities benefits the business climate of the entire area. Yuma County's workforce is evolving to meet new needs. Accredited training courses taught by YMA managers and supervisors address identified workforce skill deficiencies, with hundreds participating in training.

Tourism:
Take a trip to the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Here you can explore the remains of this historic prison built in 1876, where you can see photographs of some of the prisoners who served time here over its 33 years of operation and get a feel for frontier justice. Next, Yuma Crossing State Historic Park, once a major military supply point, this site contains the quartermaster depot and officers' quarters as well as restored historic buildings commemorating five centuries of transportation across the Colorado River. To experience nature at its finest, the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge stretches 30 miles along the Colorado River, and includes desert and wetlands. This site has plenty plant and animal life to experience, and is a wonderful place for bird watching, hiking, boating and fishing. Or, check out the Mittry Lake Wildlife Area. Situated in and near the floodplain of the Colorado River, this more than 60-acre nature reserve offers the outdoor enthusiast such activities as hiking, boating, sport fishing, nature study and bird watching. When the sun goes down, try your luck gaming at one of the city’s three buzzing casinos.

Colleges and Universities:

• Arizona Western College
• Northern Arizona University – Yuma Campus

Interesting Facts:

• Yuma is officially the sunniest city in the U.S., with an "annual average possible sunshine" ranking of 90 percent.
• 3:10 to Yuma is based on the notorious outlaw Ben Wade being transported to Yuma's prison.