The Yuma area was for centuries one of the only safe places to cross the Lower Colorado River. it was also home to the Quechan (Yumans), who were known as skilled and fierce warriors.

When the Spanish arrived in the late 1700s, at first the Europeans and the Quechan had good relations. Eventually however, the Quechan tired of being mistreated by the Spanish and rebeled in what came to be known as the Yuma Massacre.

The Quechan reclaimed their land and would contine to control the crossing of the river even as the land would be claimed by Spain, then Mexico, and finally the United States.

With the California gold rush in full swing, the Quechan once again rebeled due to mistreatment, this time at the hands of a rival ferry operator. This led to what would become known as the Yuma War.

In this video we travel to a few sites around the Yuma Crossing area, in California and Arizona, and take a look at the history and how the Quechan held off the armies of three countries for 70 years.

Videos on the Yuma territorial Prison:
Cactus Atlas    • The Hell Hole of Yuma Territorial Pri...  
Pin in the Atlas    • Behind Bars in Yuma State Prison  

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