Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park

Summary

This historic park served as a supply center for military outposts in the Southwest during the late 1800s. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Reasons to Visit:
- Historical Significance: Yuma Quartermaster Depot played a crucial role in supplying military forts across the Southwest, ensuring their survival and enabling the settlement of the region.
- Educational Experience: The park provides an opportunity to learn about the challenges faced by soldiers, civilians, and indigenous tribes during the late 19th century.
- Preserved Historic Buildings: Visitors can explore well-preserved adobe structures, including the Commanding Officer's Quarters, the Quartermaster's Office, and the Guardhouse, offering a glimpse into frontier military life.
- Outdoor Recreation: The park features beautiful gardens and picnic areas, making it an ideal location for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic.

2. Points of Interest:
- Quartermaster's Office: This building served as the administrative center for the depot, overseeing supply operations and coordinating shipments to various forts.
- Commanding Officer's Quarters: This restored adobe building offers a glimpse into the living conditions of military officers and their families.
- Visitor Center: The park's visitor center provides historical context, exhibits, and a film about the depot's significance.
- Gardens: Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park boasts beautiful gardens with various flowering plants, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

3. Interesting Facts:
- The depot was established in 1864 and operated until 1883, supplying military personnel deployed in the Arizona Territory and other parts of the Southwest.
- It was the primary distribution point for supplies, including food, clothing, ammunition, and equipment.
- The park preserves the oldest surviving depot building in Arizona, the Quartermaster's Office, which was constructed in 1864.
- During its peak, the depot employed over 900 people and stored supplies worth millions of dollars.

4. Best Time to Visit:
Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the cooler months, from November to April, when temperatures are more comfortable. Summers in Yuma can be extremely hot, with temperatures often surpassing 100°F (37.8°C).

When researching and verifying information about Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, it is recommended to consult multiple independent sources like the park's official website, historical documents, reputable travel guides, or articles from well-known publications focusing on historical sites or travel in Arizona.