East Valley Cities Include: Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek and Apache Junction
ChandlerEarly History... It was 1891 when Dr. Alexander John Chandler, a veterinary surgeon, purchased 80 acres from the Federal government for his ranch. In time, his studies of irrigation engineering became instrumental to the building of canals and the development of an arid desert. By the turn of the century he owned 18,000 acres and was ready to subdivide his ranch with the use of a town site map. With the sale of his Chandler Ranch sites, he was able to meet the requirements set forth by the charter of the Salt River Project. The results were that each new land owner who purchased less than 160 acres in total could receive water for irrigation... The City of Chandler has an official website that outlines in depth the wonderful history of it's earlier days. Please visit the site at www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx - thank you! |
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MesaEarly History... The current Town Center of Mesa was registered originally as Section 22 on July 17, 1878. It consisted of one square mile extending from Mesa Drive to Country Club and from University to Broadway. Soon after, in 1879 the first school was built and Zulu Pomeroy became the first teacher who taught there. It was not until the year 1883 that 300 residents incorporated Mesa and decided on Alexander F. Macdonald as their first Mayor. At first, the United States Postal Authorities did not accept the name Mesa because they got it confused with Mesaville. Years later in 1889, through a series of Post Office name changes, Postal Authorities finally allowed the name Mesa City.... For more of this diverse history please visit mesalibrary.org. Thank you! |
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GilbertEarly History.... The start of a small farming community all began when William 'Bobby' Gilbert donated Right of Way land to the Arizona Eastern Railway Company. Soon after 1902 the rail line, between Phoenix and Florence, took shape and the placement of a rail siding was established. Gradually a small farming town appeared around the rail siding in 1911 when the Roosevelt Dam and the Eastern / Consolidated Canals were being constructed. Known for being the 'Hay Capital of the World' for nearly two decades, this small town decided to incorporate as Gilbert on July 6, 1920.... Please pay a visit to www.ci.gilbert.az.us/busdev/profile/history.cfm for a complete history of this affluent community.
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Queen CreekEarly History.... Though this City of Queen Creek recently incorporated in 1989 there is still much to discover about its heritage. The fertile valley below the San Tan Mountains provided for what was considered a 'safe haven' to the Indian communities and homesteaders who farmed along Queen Creek Wash. By the time Arizona became a State in 1912 a true community of residents had formed and began traditions of neighborliness and rural fun. Street dancing, taking dips in local swimming pools and sleeping under the stars were just many of the local activities. There were several places that served as community gathering such as the general store, church and local post office. A practice that is still alive today. Many of the Town's foundering families (Ellsworth, Power, Sossaman, Hawes, Combs and Schnepf) still call Queen Creek their home.... For more of this heritage please visit the Town History thank you! |
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Apache JunctionEarly History.... |
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