Gilbert, Arizona History
As a suburb of Phoenix, AZ, Gilbert is a young, affluent community in central Arizona. Incorporated on July 6, 1920, Gilbert is a relatively new community that has seen tremendous growth during the past two decades. The 2009 Gilbert Community Profile provides a broad overview of this growing town outside of the Phoenix metropolitan area, including demo-graphics, business resources, and community resources. It is an excellent reference for businesses and residents alike. Historical photos from the Gilbert Historical Society.
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The Hay Capital of the World, Gilbert, Arizona
In 1902, the Arizona Eastern Railway asked for donations of right of way in order to establish a rail line between Phoenix and Florence. A rail siding was established on property owned by William “Bobby” Gilbert. The siding, and the town that sprung up around it, eventually became known as Gilbert. Gilbert was a prime farming community, fueled by the construction of the Roosevelt Dam and the Eastern and Consolidated Canals in 1911. It remained an agriculture town for many years, and was known as the “Hay Capital of the World” until the late 1920s. Gilbert began to take its current shape during the 1970s when the Town Council approved a strip annexation that encompassed 53 square miles of county land. Although the population was only 1,971 in 1970 the Council realized that Gilbert would eventually grow and develop much like the neighboring communities of Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler. This proved to be a farsighted decision as Gilbert positioned itself for growth in the 1980s and beyond.
Past Gilbert, AZ Mayors
Gilbert Mayors have listened to residents since the Town was incorporated on July 6, 1920. Our Mayors have fought for this Town and have led its celebrations. Together, through an intertwining process consisting of hard work and heart, our Mayors have triumphed in creating a Community of Excellence. As Gilbert celebrates 90 years of Gilbert history, its future is brighter than ever.