Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Prison Cemetery: Echoes of Yuma's Past
Reflect on Yuma's past at the Prison Cemetery, the final resting place of inmates from the notorious Yuma Territorial Prison.
The Prison Cemetery in Yuma, Arizona, is the final resting place for inmates who died while incarcerated at the Yuma Territorial Prison between 1876 and 1909. The historical landmark offers a poignant glimpse into the lives and struggles of those who lived and died within the confines of the prison system.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Prison Cemetery
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
50 Prison Hill Rd, Yuma, Arizona, 85364, US
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Getting There
Walking
From the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, walk south on 4th Avenue toward Gila Street. Turn left onto Gila Street, then right onto 1st Avenue. Continue to 32nd Street, turn left, and walk for about a mile until you reach Prison Hill Road. Turn right, and the Prison Cemetery will be on your left in about 0.5 miles.
Public Transport
From downtown Yuma, go to the Yuma Transit Center at 4th Avenue and Gila Street. Take Bus Route 5 toward Yuma International Airport. Get off at 32nd Street and Avenue 3E, then transfer to Bus Route 6 towards the 'Prison Hill' stop. Walk east on Prison Hill Road for about 0.5 miles; the Prison Cemetery will be on your right. A single ride on YCAT costs $1.25.
Taxi/Ride Share
Use a taxi or rideshare app and enter '50 Prison Hill Rd, Yuma, AZ 85364' as the destination. The driver will take you directly to the Prison Cemetery. Taxi and ride-share fares vary. As an estimate, a 5 km ride in Yuma would cost around $10.80.
Local tips
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Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and optimal lighting.
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Bring water and wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and the desert heat can be intense.
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Take time to read the plaque that lists the names of the deceased.
Discover more about Prison Cemetery
Located on Prison Hill, the Prison Cemetery serves as a solemn reminder of the Yuma Territorial Prison's history. Established in 1876, the cemetery holds the remains of inmates who died during their time at the prison. Of the over 3,000 prisoners incarcerated during the prison's 33 years of operation, 111 died either at the prison or while being transported there.Most of the prisoners buried here succumbed to tuberculosis and other diseases that spread quickly in the prison's densely packed cell blocks. Overcrowding was common, with as many as ten prisoners confined to a single cell. While most of the original grave markers have disappeared due to theft and deterioration, the cemetery remains a place for reflection on the complexities of justice and humanity. Visitors can see panoramic views of Yuma and the Colorado River from the site.Today, the graves are marked with a plaque listing the names of the deceased. The Prison Cemetery offers a unique insight into the narratives of the past and invites visitors to contemplate the implications of justice and humanity.
A brief summary to Prison Cemetery
Use Prison Cemetery as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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