Brown House

The Brown House is a brick structure on South First Avenue featuring architectural details typical of the late 1800s. The building retains most of its original elements, though the roof and kitchen area were modified in later years.

Built in 1893, the structure initially operated as a boarding house for railroad workers traveling between Los Angeles and Tucson. This original purpose highlights how the railroad shaped the town's early economy and growth.

This residence reflects an era when Yuma shifted from a frontier outpost to a settled town shaped by railroad connections. People viewed buildings like this one as markers of permanence and prosperity in a rapidly growing region.

The building sits on elevated ground at the southern end of the historic district, serving as a waypoint when exploring the area. This location helps visitors orient themselves while discovering other historic sites nearby.

The house was built by F.B. Wightman and received National Register designation nearly a century after its construction in 1982. This recognition came long after its days as a boarding house, reflecting its importance to understanding the town's evolution.

Location: Yuma

Inception: 1893

Address: 268 South 1st Avenue

GPS coordinates: 32.72222,-114.62028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:04