Alright, on your right stands the Yuma County Courthouse-a real Arizona heavyweight in the justice department. Now, this is actually courthouse number three for the county, which, if you’re keeping score, means its predecessors didn’t quite make the cut. The current building opened its doors in 1928, back when flapper dresses and Model As were the latest thing. The architects-Ralph Swearingen and G. A. Hanssen, both from San Diego-probably sweated a bit over how to give it just the right blend of dignity and Southwestern swagger.
You’re looking at a spot that’s witnessed more than a few dramatic showdowns-lawyers, jurors, and townsfolk brushing past one another, everyone with something at stake. Back then, the price tag would have been shocking for Yuma: around $250,000, which would be almost $4 million today, give or take. No wonder they wanted it to last.
So there it stands-proud, listed on the National Register since 1982, watching the decades roll by. When you’re ready for your next bit of Yuma’s story, just head east for about 2 minutes to reach the Masonic Temple.
