History Of Gilbert Arizona

Gilbert, Arizona is a bustling town located in the southeast Valley of the Sun, and is one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States. Despite its recent growth, Gilbert has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the late 1800s.

The area now known as Gilbert was originally inhabited by the Hohokam people, a Native American tribe that lived in the region for centuries. The Hohokam were known for their intricate canal system, which was used for irrigation and allowed them to grow crops in the desert. The Hohokam eventually disappeared from the area, but their legacy lives on in the form of the canals that still run through Gilbert and the surrounding areas.

In the late 1800s, Gilbert was settled by pioneers who were attracted to the area by its fertile farmland and the abundance of water from the Hohokam canals. These settlers established farms and ranches, and the town slowly began to grow. In 1920, Gilbert was officially incorporated as a town, and it continued to grow and thrive as a farming community throughout the 20th century.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Phoenix metropolitan area began to grow rapidly, and Gilbert found itself at the center of this growth. The town’s population began to surge, and Gilbert transformed from a small farming community into a suburban bedroom community. As the population grew, so did the town’s infrastructure, and Gilbert began to develop a strong sense of community and a thriving local economy.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Gilbert experienced a period of explosive growth, and the town’s population doubled in size. New developments, including shopping centers, schools, and parks, were built to accommodate the growing population, and Gilbert became one of the most sought-after places to live in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Today, Gilbert is a thriving community with a population of over 250,000 residents, and it is considered one of the fastest-growing towns in the United States.

Despite its rapid growth, Gilbert has managed to maintain its small-town feel and its strong sense of community. The town is known for its well-maintained parks and recreational facilities, its excellent schools, and its vibrant arts scene. Gilbert is also home to a thriving business community, and it is a hub for tech startups, innovative businesses, and entrepreneurial ventures.

One of the most unique aspects of Gilbert’s history is its connection to the world of aviation. During World War II, the town was home to a military airfield that was used to train pilots. Today, Gilbert is home to the AZAerospace & Defense (AZAD) cluster, which is one of the largest aerospace and defense clusters in the world. The cluster includes more than 200 companies and is a hub for innovation and cutting-edge technology in the aerospace and defense industries.

In conclusion, Gilbert, Arizona is a thriving community with a rich and diverse history that dates back to the late 1800s. The town has transformed from a small farming community into one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States, and it is known for its strong sense of community, its excellent schools, and its vibrant arts scene. Gilbert is also a hub for innovation in the aerospace and defense industries, and it is a thriving center of business and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer, Gilbert is a truly special place that offers something for everyone.