Yuma in Yuma County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Southern Pacific Hotel
Photographed by Adam Margolis, February 2, 2025
1. Southern Pacific Hotel Marker
The Southern Pacific Hotel was constructed on the immediate east side of the existing 1877 track alignment on the banks of the Colorado River. Construction was started on March 26, 1881.
"The first floor of the hotel is divided into eleven spacious compartments consisting of ticket office, bar room. reading room, dining room, kitchen, pantries, and sideboard rooms; the second floor consists of nineteen airy bedrooms and a pleasant parlor, beside a large brick lined cellar at the basement and we understand that the furniture will be of the latest pattern; these making it one of the most pleasant and comfortable Houses on the road this side of San Francisco."
The Arizona Sentinel, May 7, 1881
The hotel operated until 1926, when the railroad line was rerouted to the east, adjacent to the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge. The hotel was used as the Cochan Sanitarium until it was demolished in 1933.
Looking beyond this sign, you will see the original brick foundations of this historical hotel exposed in the retention basin.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is March 26, 1881.
Location. 32° 43.654′ N, 114°
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Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Colorado River Valley, in the Sonoran Desert, and in the Yuma Area. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also the Gadsden Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Southern Pacific Engine No. 2521 (here, next to this marker); A Remnant of the SPRR Settling Tanks (within shouting distance of this marker); Reclaiming the Yuma Crossing (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Commanding Officer's Quarters & Kitchen (about 700 feet away); Quartermaster Depot Water Reservoir (about 800 feet away); Office of the U. S. Army Depot Quartermaster (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hotel San Carlos (approx. 0.2 miles away); Yuma City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yuma.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, February 2, 2025
2. Southern Pacific Hotel Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 306 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 17, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
