When the first Europeans arrived at what became known as the Yuma Crossing in 1540 they found native peoples who had been living at this important place for centuries. By the 1700's the Spanish were calling these people the Yumas. Today, while the term Yuma survives as the name of a place, a city, and a county, the descendents of these early peoples are known as the Quechan.

The Spaniards founded two missions in 1779 at Yuma Crossing. The original settlement was decimated by the last uprising of the Yuma Indians. In 1864, the US Army established a military base here.

The Yuma Crossing of the Colorado River was recognized by early explorers as an important gateway to California. As such this location includes several historical attractions and museums.

Yuma has bright sunny warm weather year-round and is very popular in the winter months as a place to escape the cold weather.