Since starting out in a suburban Tucson home in 2004, Xcel Delivery has grown to become one of the premier logistics providers in Arizona. Our shipping and transportation routes have taken us across the state and past some of the most amazing roadside attractions Arizona has to offer. In addition to offering you the very best distribution and warehousing services, we can also help you learn more about the roadside attractions we drive by on a regular basis. This week’s spotlight is on the first prison in Arizona, Yuma Territorial Prison.
History
On July 1, 1876, the first seven inmates entered the Territorial Prison and were locked into the new cells they had built themselves. A total of 3,069 prisoners lived within the walls during the prison’s 33 years of operation. Although Yuma Territorial Prison had an infamous reputation during the time, evidence indicates that the prison was a model institution for its time and one of the most humanely administered correctional facilities in the country.
State Park
The last prisoner left Yuma Territorial Prison on September 15, 1909. The Yuma High School occupied the prison from 1910 to 1914, after which point the buildings provided shelter for many homeless families during the Depression. Today the prison serves as a state park and museum. The park is open from 9am to 5pm daily and provides free admission for children under seven. Youth admission is $3 and adult admissions (14+) is $6.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re planning a day-trip to the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, take the opportunity to see some of the other great nearby attractions. If you’re still in the mood for museums, there’s the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, a former military depot turned military museum. There’s also a few wonderful parks nearby, including Gateway Park and Riverside Park.
Xcel Delivery is proud to deliver throughout Arizona. Whether you need same-delivery delivery across the state or warehousing in Tucson, Xcel Delivery delivers. Visit our website to learn more about custom logistics or call us toll-free at (888) 743-0067. You can even call us to learn about other great roadside attractions in the Grand Canyon State!
This article is part of a series on Arizona’s Amazing Roadside Attractions
