Yuma in Yuma County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Crossing Into History
— Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail —
Photographed By Adam Margolis, February 6, 2022
1. Crossing Into History Marker
Eager to expand it's New World empire, Spain
authorized a 1775-1776 expedition to settle the port of San Francisco. The expedition, lead by Juan Bautista de Anza, commander of the Royal Presidio of Tubac, traversed 1000 miles on foot, horseback, burro and mule from Sonora, Mexico to Alta California. This route made possible the transport of livestock, goods, and people to sustain the new settlements.
[caption] "[The Quechan] invited all members of the expedition to eat, giving them in abundance... so many watermelons we estimated there must have. been more than 3,000." - Juan Bautista de Anza, November 28, 1775
Along the way the expedition was faced with crossing the mighty Colorado River at present day Yuma, Arizona. Leaders from the Quechan tribe helped the Anza expedition cross the Colorado on their way to California. Using this crossing and the route Anza mapped settlers began flooding into California to establish San José and Los Angeles, and stamp California with the language and customs of their New World Hispanic culture.
Erected by National Park Service.
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Location. 32° 43.666′ N, 114° 36.881′ W. Marker is in Yuma, Arizona, in Yuma County. Marker can be reached from Prison Hill Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Yuma East Wetlands Today (a few steps from this marker); Yuma East Wetlands (a few steps from this marker); Drinking Water Life in the Desert (within shouting distance of this marker); View of the Prison from Across the River (within shouting distance of this marker); Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Yuma East Wetlands (within shouting distance of this marker); The All-important Colorado River Crossing
Photographed By Adam Margolis, February 6, 2022
2. Crossing Into History Marker
Marker can be seen on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 144 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 10, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
