Somerton, Arizona

Somerton, Arizona is a city located in Yuma County, Arizona, near the U.S.-Mexico border and the Colorado River. The city is situated about 11 miles south of Yuma, Arizona, and is part of the Yuma, Arizona Metropolitan Statistical Area. Somerton is close to the Barry Goldwater Range, a United States Air Force bombing range, and the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, a United States Fish and Wildlife Service protected area. The city is also near the Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area, a Bureau of Land Management protected area, and the Sonoran Desert National Monument, a United States Bureau of Land Management protected area.

Geography

Somerton is located in the southwestern part of Arizona, in the Sonoran Desert region. The city is situated near the Colorado River, which forms the border between Arizona and California. The city is also close to the Gila Mountains and the Tinajas Altas Mountains. Somerton is near the Barry Goldwater Range, a United States Air Force bombing range, and the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, a United States Fish and Wildlife Service protected area. The city is also near the Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area, a Bureau of Land Management protected area, and the Sonoran Desert National Monument, a United States Bureau of Land Management protected area. The city is surrounded by the Yuma Proving Ground, a United States Army testing range, and the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, a United States Fish and Wildlife Service protected area.

History

The area that is now Somerton was first settled by the Cocopah people, a Native American tribe that has lived in the region for thousands of years. The city was founded in the late 19th century, and was named after the Somerton, England, a town in Somerset, England. Somerton was incorporated as a city in 1918, and has since grown into a thriving community. The city has a rich history, with many notable events and figures, including the Yuma Territorial Prison, a Arizona Territorial Prison that operated from 1876 to 1909, and the Quechan Indian Tribe, a Native American tribe that has lived in the region for thousands of years. The city is also near the Fort Yuma, a United States Army fort that was established in 1850, and the Yuma Crossing, a historic crossing point over the Colorado River.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Somerton was 14,287. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of Hispanic and Latino Americans, Native Americans, and White Americans. The city has a high percentage of Spanish language speakers, and is home to many Mexican-American families. Somerton is also home to many Agricultural workers, who work in the surrounding Agricultural fields and Farms. The city is near the University of Arizona, a Public university that has a campus in Yuma, Arizona, and the Arizona Western College, a Community college that has a campus in Yuma, Arizona.

Economy

The economy of Somerton is primarily based on Agriculture, with many Farms and Ranches in the surrounding area. The city is also home to many Manufacturing facilities, including those that produce Agricultural equipment and Food processing products. Somerton is also a major center for Tourism, with many visitors coming to the area to enjoy the Outdoor recreation opportunities, such as Hiking, Camping, and Fishing. The city is near the Yuma International Airport, a Public airport that serves the Yuma, Arizona area, and the San Luis Port of Entry, a United States border crossing that connects Arizona to Mexico. The city is also home to many Small businesses, including those that specialize in Retail trade and Food service.

Education

Somerton is served by the Somerton School District, a Public school district that operates several schools in the area, including Somerton High School, a Public high school that serves the city. The city is also home to the Arizona Western College, a Community college that has a campus in Yuma, Arizona, and the University of Arizona, a Public university that has a campus in Yuma, Arizona. The city is near the Yuma County Library District, a Public library system that serves the Yuma County, Arizona area, and the San Luis Public Library, a Public library that serves the San Luis, Arizona area.

Infrastructure

Somerton has a well-developed infrastructure, with many Roads and Highways that connect the city to the surrounding area. The city is served by the Arizona State Route 95, a State highway that connects Yuma, Arizona to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and the Interstate 8, a United States Interstate Highway that connects San Diego, California to Casa Grande, Arizona. The city is also home to the Somerton Municipal Airport, a Public airport that serves the city, and the Yuma International Airport, a Public airport that serves the Yuma, Arizona area. The city is near the Morelos Dam, a Hydroelectric dam that is located on the Colorado River, and the Imperial Dam, a Hydroelectric dam that is located on the Colorado River. The city is also home to many Parks and Recreation areas, including the Somerton Park, a Public park that features Walking trails, Playgrounds, and Sports fields.