California King Gold Mines Co. - Territory of Arizona - 1903 dated Mining Stock Certificate

Stock printed by New York Bank Note Co. Yuma serves as both a city and the county seat of Yuma County in Arizona, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of Yuma was recorded at 93,064, reflecting an increase from the 2000 census figure of 77,515. Yuma is recognized as the primary city within the Yuma, Arizona, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses Yuma County. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of the Yuma MSA reached 203,247 in 2020. Notably, Yuma has been designated by Guinness World Records as the "Sunniest City on Earth," enjoying sunshine and warm weather for at least 91% of the year. This climatic appeal may explain why between 70,000 and over 85,000 visitors from other states choose to spend their winters in Yuma.

In 1853, a smaller settlement known as Arizona City began to develop on elevated land opposite the fort, officially adopting the name of its post office in 1858. This settlement featured adobe homes, two retail establishments, and two saloons. The Great Flood of 1862 devastated Colorado City and Jaeger City, necessitating their reconstruction on higher terrain. During this period, Colorado City merged with Arizona City and was renamed Yuma in 1873. The Southern Pacific Railroad established a bridge over the river in 1877 and acquired George Alonzo Johnson's Colorado Steam Navigation Company, the sole steamboat operator on the river. Consequently, Yuma emerged as the new hub for river navigation, leading to the abandonment of Port Isabel in 1879, with its warehouses and shipyard subsequently relocated to Yuma.