Yuma in Yuma County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Commanding Officer's Quarters & Kitchen
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 13, 2010
1. Commanding Officer's Quarters & Kitchen Marker
In 1859, steamboat entrepreneur George Alonzo Johnson built a riverside home for his bride, Estefana Alvarado. Now known as the Commanding Officer's Quarters, the home is believed to be Arizona's oldest Anglo-built adobe building. In the devastating Colorado River flood of 1862, this building and the nearby Hooper residence, now the detached kitchen, were unharmed because they were built on high ground. Quartermaster personnel used the buildings from the mid-1860's until the military abandoned Fort Yuma in 1883.
In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt designated the Commanding Officer's Quarters as a customs reserve and the U.S. Customs Service remained in the building until 1955. In 1956, the City of Yuma purchased the Commanding Officer's Quarters and Kitchen from the federal government. Ownership was transferred to Arizona State Parks Board in 1986 and rehabilitation was completed in 1991.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Government & Politics • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt
this page online
Location. 32° 43.683′ N, 114° 37.305′ W. Marker is in Yuma, Arizona, in Yuma County. It can be reached from North 4th Avenue. Marker is located on the grounds of the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 North 4th Avenue, Yuma AZ 85364, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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: Quartermaster Depot Water Reservoir (a few steps from this marker); Office of the U. S. Army Depot Quartermaster (within shouting distance of this marker); Southern Pacific Passenger Coach Car (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Yuma Crossing Park (about 600 feet away); Southern Pacific Engine No. 2521
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 13, 2010
2. Commanding Officer's Quarters & Kitchen and Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 13, 2010
3. Commanding Officer's Quarters & Kitchen
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, 3
4. Customs House Marker
This marker is located next to sidewalk at the west end of the Commanding Officer's Quarters. It was placed in 1959 by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 13, 2010
5. Customshouse Marker
This marker is located next to sidewalk at the west end of the Commanding Officer's Quarters.
Yuma Customhouse
Designated an
Historic Customhouse
by
Commissioner of Customs
Vernon D. Acree
Designated an
Historic Customhouse
by
Commissioner of Customs
Vernon D. Acree
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,536 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 23, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
