Yuma in Yuma County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

New Yard

Photographed By James Hulse, November 8, 2021

1. New Yard Marker

Inscription. The "New Yard" was constructed in 1900 to help relieve overcrowding. The entrance to the library was closed and the first four cells were made from the library excavation in the south bank. Eight more cells were dug into the east side of the same bank. These cells were used to separate and isolate unruly prisoners before the incorrigible ward was built. Near the center of the 119 foot X 84 foot exercise yard was a building referred to as the Bunkhouse. This structure was used to house consumptive patients (those suffering from tuberculosis of the lungs).

After the last prisoners were transferred to Florence, September 15, 1909 the facilities had several interesting uses. Five of the areas, including the hospital, were utilized for the Yuma High School from 1910 until 1914. Today the Yuma High School's athletic teams are still called the Yuma Criminals or "Crims". The empty cells provided free lodging for hobos riding the freights in the 1920's and sheltered many homeless families during the Depression.

Caption
New Yard occupied by homeless family circa 1930.

Erected by Yuma Territorial Prison Park and Arizona State Parks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education •

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Law Enforcement • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 32° 43.587′ N, 114° 36.887′ W. Marker is in Yuma, Arizona, in Yuma County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Prison Hill Road and South Levee Road. The marker is located in the southern section of the Yuma Territorial Prison Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 220 Prison Hill Road, Yuma AZ 85364, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Incorrigible Ward (within shouting distance of this marker); Yuma Territorial Prison (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Cellblock (within shouting distance of this marker); Shops (within shouting distance of this marker); The Prison Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Prison Labor (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Yuma East Wetlands (about 400 feet away); Drinking Water Life in the Desert (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yuma.

Also see . . . Yuma Territorial Prison.

The Yuma Territorial Prison is a former prison located in Yuma, Arizona, United States. Opened on July 1, 1876, and shut down on September 15, 1909. It is one of the Yuma
Photographed By James Hulse, November 8, 2021

2. The entrance to the New Yard
Crossing and Associated Sites on the National Register of Historic Places in the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. The site is now operated as a historical museum by Arizona State Parks as Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Source: Wikipedia

(Submitted on November 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The New Yard and the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, November 8, 2021

3. The New Yard and the Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.