File talk:Colorado No. 2 in tidal drydock at Port Isabel.jpg

Port Isabel was NOT in California but in Sonora, Mexico at the mouth of the Colorado River. Acording to:

Mexico and Central America pilot (west coast) from the United States to Colombia including the gulfs of California and Panama, United States. Hydrographic Office, Washgington, G. P. O., 1920. p150

"Port Isabel, now abandoned, is situated on the east bank of the slough about 2 1/4 miles from its mouth, at the first good landing place, the shores below being of very soft mud. About 2 miles above Port Isabel is a place called Ship Yard, with a few frame buildings."

The Port Isabel and its riverboat shipyard was abandoned after the arrival of the railroad at Yuma, Arizona.Asiaticus (talk) 06:19, 14 September 2010 (UTC)

more on Port Isabel

Port Isabel was a seaport established in 1865 during the American Civil War in Sonora, Mexico near the mouth of the Colorado River on the Sea of Cortez to support the increased river traffic caused by the gold rush that began in 1862 on the Colorado River and the Yuma Quartermaster Depot newly established in 1864 to support the Army posts in the Arizona Military District.

Port Isabel replaced Robinson's Landing the original place on the west bank of the Colorado River where cargo was unloaded in the river from seagoing craft on to flatbottomed steamboats and carried up to Fort Yuma and points further north on the river.

Port Isabel, was situated on the east bank of the Colorado River on its channel east of Montague Island about 2 1/2 miles from its mouth, at the first good landing place, the shores below being of very soft mud. Port Isabel, served as a place for repairing the river steamers and barges.

Additionally about 2 miles above Port Isabel was a place called Ship Yard, which had a few frame buildings where steamboats could be constructed or repaired.

The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in Yuma in 1877 signaled the end of Port Isabel, trade by sea was replaced that carried by rail. In 1878, George Johnson sold his Colorado Steam Navigation Company to the Southern Pacific Railroad. Yuma became the head of navigation for steamboats operating on the river. Port Isabel was abandoned in 1879. Asiaticus (talk) 03:29, 28 September 2010 (UTC)