On October 25,1911, the first plane ever to land in the state of Arizona did so right here in Yuma. Piloted by Robert G. Fowler, the Wright Model B biplane (also known as a "Cole Flyer") weighed 800 pounds and was capable of reaching a top speed of 45 MPH. The plane housed a 30 HP engine that was rented from the famed Wright Brothers, who had made their historic flight years before.

Bob Fowler, making a little history of his own, began his flight in Santa Monica, California and was headed for the East coast. It was during this flight that he touched down in Yuma near a ball park between 1st and 3rd streets on 4th avenue. About four days later, planning to continue his flight, Mr. Fowler found it necessary to enlist the aid of several local citizens who pushed the plane up the hill on 3rd street in order to give it a "downhill" run. Forty-nine days later the "Cole Flyer" ended its journey by rolling to a halt near the surf of Miami, Florida.

Fifty-two years later Robert Fowler returned to Yuma for the dedication an unveiling of a monument in his honor. Today a historic marker commemorating the "75th Anniversary of Flight in Yuma" stands in front of the Yuma Landing Restaurant-the very sight of the biplane's original touchdown!