The Yuma War is the name given to a series of United States military operations conducted in southern California and what is today southwestern Arizona from 1850 to 1853.
The Yumans, or Quechuans, are the primary opponent of the United States Army, though engagements are fought between the Americans and other native groups in the region.
Conflict generally takes the form of guerrilla warfare and over the course of three years, the army engages in pursuing unfriendly natives, protecting American settlers crossing the Colorado River and preventing conflict between the native tribes.
A peace treaty in summer of 1853 is signed, ending hostilities between the Yuma and the United States, but it sparks a short war between the Yuma and the Cocopah.
During the conflict, the historic Fort Yuma is constructed and becomes an important outpost on the frontier.
