Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is off I-8 exit 1 (Giss Pkwy.), on a bluff on the s. side of the Colorado River “meander” (where the river bends). Erected in 1876, the complex of buildings was a prison until 1909. Some of the original structures remain, including the sally port, a main guard tower and various cell blocks. The adobe walls, which no longer stand, were 8 feet thick at the base and 5 feet thick at the top, and at full capacity confined 400 prisoners. Of interest are the cellblocks, the “dark cell” and a museum. Interpretive programs are offered.