You’re standing on vanished history when visiting Yuma. In 1854, Charles Poston established Colorado City here as a promising commercial hub near Fort Yuma. For eight years, the settlement thrived around Jaeger’s Ferry, serving thousands of westbound travelers. Then came January 1862, when catastrophic flooding completely obliterated the town. Survivors relocated to higher ground, founding what became Yuma. The river’s fury transformed a bustling settlement into Arizona’s most dramatically erased ghost town.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado City was established in 1854 by Charles D. Poston as a speculative settlement near Fort Yuma.
- The settlement served as a customs point and commercial center following the Gadsden Purchase.
- A catastrophic flood in 1862 completely destroyed Colorado City, leaving only Fort Yuma intact.
- Survivors relocated to higher ground, establishing Arizona City which later became modern Yuma.
- The original Colorado City should not be confused with the modern Colorado City located 250 miles north.
The 1854 Founding: Poston’s Riverside Speculation
While the Colorado River flowed steadily through the arid southwestern landscape, Charles D. Poston saw opportunity in its banks. In 1854, he surveyed and platted Colorado City as a speculative venture, his vision extending beyond the dusty shores to a bustling commercial hub.
You can imagine Poston, calculating the potential profits from ferry operations at nearby Jaeger’s Ferry, as he marked out plots to sell in San Francisco. The strategic location couldn’t be better—positioned at the convergence of crucial waterways, near Fort Yuma, and freshly acquired through the Gadsden Purchase.
This was freedom’s frontier, where borders remained fluid and fortunes waited to be made. Colorado City emerged as both customs point and commercial nexus, embodying America’s expanding footprint in territories still warm from Mexican ownership. Unlike other locations sharing the Colorado City name, this particular settlement was destined to become a ghost town despite its promising beginnings. The eventual renaming to Yuma came after the Fort’s establishment, marking a significant transition in the area’s development.
Life at Jaeger’s Ferry: Early Commerce and Customs
Poston’s speculative dream relied heavily on the commerce already flowing through Jaeger’s Ferry. Since 1850, Louis Jaeger’s rope-guided boats had created the lifeline across the Colorado River that you’d need for your journey westward. You’d pay your toll to cross—a transaction that fed both Jaeger’s pockets and land values in Colorado City.
At the crossing, you’d witness a unique cultural convergence where indigenous interactions shaped daily life. Native Americans sometimes assisted travelers despite underlying tensions, creating a transient community where diverse backgrounds blended. The ferrymen enjoyed high social standing as essential service providers.
Cultural crossroads where Native Americans and settlers briefly cooperated amid tensions, creating a fleeting shared world around the vital crossing point.
The U.S. Custom House in Colorado City formalized trade, while the ferry operations supported the Butterfield Overland Mail and countless migrants seeking California’s promise.
This commerce hub would remain crucial until 1877, when technology finally changed the crossing forever. The ferry landing was located at what is now 201 N. 4th Avenue, marking the only natural ford on the southern trail to the Pacific.
The Great Flood of 1862: Destruction and Relocation
As January 1862 dawned along the Arizona-California border, none of Colorado City’s hopeful inhabitants could have foreseen the catastrophe looming on the horizon.
Within weeks, atmospheric river storms released their fury, culminating on January 22nd when the Colorado River rose nearly six feet in just three hours.
The floodwaters showed no mercy, completely obliterating Colorado City and neighboring Jaeger City. Only Fort Yuma remained, perched precariously on an island of high ground amid the churning waters.
By February, nothing remained of the settlement except scattered debris.
This devastation sparked remarkable community resilience. Survivors relocated to higher ground, rebuilding what would eventually become part of Arizona City (later Yuma). The flooding was part of a larger catastrophe that affected multiple states including California, Oregon, Washington, and Utah, with death tolls ranging from 415 to 1,000 victims overall.
The catastrophic event mirrored the conditions that would halt the California column’s advance into Confederate Arizona territory due to impassable roads.
Flood recovery efforts reshaped the region’s geography and commerce permanently, as settlers adapted to nature’s harsh lesson about respecting the mighty Colorado’s power.
From Ghost Town to Arizona City: The Transformation
After the devastating flood of 1862 swept Colorado City into the churning waters of history, a remarkable transformation began to unfold in the dusty aftermath.
What emerged wasn’t just urban revitalization but a complete reinvention of community identity.
You’ll find fascinating contrasts in Colorado City’s journey. Once entirely controlled by the FLDS Church—which dictated everything from housing to policing—the town now embraces community integration. The community now aims to redefine itself with a variety of outdoor activities and unique attractions like the Cricker Wagon experience.
The 2016 federal prohibition against religious discrimination in property ownership broke the church’s monopoly, allowing outsiders to finally participate.
Now, as you explore this evolving landscape, you’ll witness a town reinventing itself as a tourist destination.
With the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway rerouting expected by 2026, Colorado City stands at the threshold of embracing both its complex history and promising future.
The town’s main church building is currently being transformed into the Short Creek Legacy Center for hosting various community events and activities.
Distinguishing the Original Settlement From Modern Colorado City
When travelers hear the name “Colorado City,” confusion often arises about which settlement bears this historical moniker. The historical significance of these two unrelated locations couldn’t be more distinct in Arizona’s settlement evolution.
The original Colorado City, now lost to time, differs from its modern namesake in four critical ways:
- Geographic separation – The original sat near present-day Yuma at 32°N, while today’s Colorado City exists 250 miles north at 36°N.
- Purpose and heritage – First Colorado City began as a land speculation and customs site, while the modern town originated as a religious colony.
- Timeline discrepancy – Original settlement dates to 1854, while the modern town wasn’t established until 1913. This timeline aligns with the old Colorado City in Colorado, which voted to go dry in 1913 amid rising temperance movements. Many early Arizona Mormon settlements like Joseph City were established much earlier when pioneers were called by Brigham Young in the winter of 1876.
- Historical outcome – The original was destroyed by flooding and absorbed into Yuma, while the current town thrives independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Native American Tribes Inhabited the Area Before Colorado City?
Before settlers arrived, you’d find the Mohave, Chemehuevi, and Southern Paiute tribes flourishing here. These native tribes maintained profound cultural significance through their deep connection with Colorado River’s life-giving waters.
How Did Colorado City’s Climate Affect Early Settlers’ Daily Lives?
Like a stubborn mule testing your resolve, Colorado City’s harsh climate forced you to master seasonal adaptations. You’d endure scorching days, freezing nights, and agricultural challenges requiring constant vigilance and water conservation.
What Happened to Charles Poston After Colorado City Was Destroyed?
After Colorado City’s destruction, you’d admire how Poston’s legacy flourished—he secured Arizona’s territorial status, served in Congress, and built his influence as the “Father of Arizona” until his 1902 death.
Were There Any Famous Outlaws or Gunfights in Original Colorado City?
You won’t find famous outlaws or gunfight history specifically in original Colorado City. While nearby Skeleton Canyon and Cochise County witnessed Curly Bill’s violence, Colorado City itself wasn’t a legendary outlaw hotspot.
What Artifacts From Original Colorado City Have Been Discovered Today?
You’ll find mining tools, ore carts, coins, personal items, and domestic artifacts from Colorado City’s heyday. These artifact discoveries offer profound historical significance, connecting you to the free-spirited frontier days.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_City
- https://janmackellcollins.wordpress.com/2015/06/12/wild-times-and-wild-women-old-colorado-citys-shady-side/
- https://www.arizonahighways.com/article/arizona-ghost-towns
- https://kids.kiddle.co/Colorado_City
- https://utahstories.com/2017/10/a-song-for-colorado-city/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caC_Ck3Rcd4
- https://www.visityuma.com/about-yuma/history/
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Arizona-state/History
- https://www.truewestmagazine.com/article/colorado-city-arizona-city-and-finally-yuma/
- https://azgovernor.gov/sites/default/files/governor/documents/arizona-history.pdf
