Yuma Quartermaster Depot

Linda and I went exploring today and wound up at the Quartermaster Depot. It was the Army's supply depot for the southwest. A six-month supply of clothing, food, ammunition, and other goods was kept at the depot at all times.  Goods were brought by ship up the Sea of Cortez to the mouth of the Colorado River where they were transferred to steam boats which moved the goods to Yuma, until the Southern Pacific railroad arrived in 1877.

A diorama of how the Depot looked in the early 1800's. Goods were moved from the steam boat to the warehouse via small flat rail cars

One of the few structures to survive the devastating Colorado River flood of 1862. Higher ground protected it from the raging flood waters. It was built by steamboat entrepreneur Georg Alonzo Johnson for his bride Estefana Alvarado in 1859. It later became the Commanding Officer's Quarters.

The army uniforms were made of wool. I can't imagine how uncomfortable they must have been in the blistering summer heat. 

It looks like every effort was made to bring civilization to Arizona. But is must have been a rugged place to live.  The commanding  officers wife entertained many travelers that  came to Yuma who commented on the fine table she set.  

The parlor showed that all effort to bring the luxuries of the East to the frontier, from the victorian furniture to the oriental carpet. 

This was 10 year old Kate Bradley's room. What a small bed for a ten year old. Judging by the nice doll and carriage, the commanding officer was well compensated. Was Katey a spinner? That is quite a walking wheel. 

The cook's room, he earned additional wages cooking and had private quarters

 They had a steam powered pump to provide water for use in their homes and gardens. Water was pumped into a reservoir from which it was distributed by gravity to the post.