Jaeger City, California facts for kids
Jaeger City, also known as Jaegerville, was a small town that used to exist in what is now Imperial County, California. It was located right by Jaeger's Ferry on the Colorado River. This spot was about a mile downstream from Fort Yuma. The town was named after L. J. F. Jaeger, who operated the ferry there starting in 1851.
A Busy River Town
Jaeger City was once the biggest settlement near Fort Yuma. This was before 1862, when the area was part of San Diego County, California. The town first started as a stockade, which was a strong fence built for defense. This stockade protected the ferry and its workers from the Quechan people. At first, it was just a few tents.
Over time, Jaeger City grew into a busy place. From 1857 to 1860, it was an important stop for the San Antonio-San Diego Mail Line. This was a mail and passenger service that traveled across the country.
What Jaeger City Looked Like
At its busiest, Jaeger City had many buildings. It was home to the Fort Yuma Station for the Butterfield Overland Mail. This was another famous stagecoach service that delivered mail and people. The town also had its own local post office.
Besides the mail stations, Jaeger City had a hotel where travelers could stay. There were two blacksmith shops, which were important for fixing wagons and horseshoes. The town also had two stores and other homes. Across the river, Colorado City began in 1853. A little further up the river, across from Fort Yuma, was Arizona City.
The Great Flood
Sadly, Jaeger City was completely destroyed in the Great Flood of 1862. This massive flood also wiped out Colorado City, which was across the river. Jaeger City was never rebuilt after the flood.
However, Jaeger's Ferry was rebuilt. Colorado City was also rebuilt on higher ground and became part of Arizona City. This town was later renamed Yuma, Arizona, in 1873. The ferry was then moved to this new location, across from the fort.
Where It Is Today
The old site of Jaeger City is located southeast of Winterhaven, California. Because of all the floods since 1862, there is no trace left of the settlement today. The river has washed everything away.
