Chandler Arizona
Chandler Arizona Overview
Chandler Arizona was officially established while the state was still a territory of the United States. Following is a brief history of this now modern and vital city.
Chandler Arizona’s Founder
Arizona territory’s first veterinary surgeon was Dr. Alexander Chandler. He came to the territory of Arizona in 1891 and began practicing his trade. Dr. Chandler bought 80 acres from the federal government in the salt river basin just south of Mesa. He was infatuated with a approach to irrigation methods and engineering. He was deeply involved in creating an system of irrigation canals in order to grow crops in this arid region.
By 1900, Dr. Chandler owned ranch land of over 18,000-acres. However, the charter of the Salt River Project stated that only 160 acres of land could be irrigated by any single owner. With the assistance of other experts, he subdivided his land and drew up plans for a township.
Chandler Becomes an Official Town
Dr. Chandler opened his townsite office in May of 1912 and began offering Chandler Ranch parcels for sale. On his first day open, he sold over $50,000 worth of property. At this point in time there are only 6 known structures in the newly formed township including the new sales office. Dr. Chandler was ahead of his time in several ways. His deed restrictions stated that included a requirement to build on newly purchased land within 1 year. His ambitious vision included the future San Marcos Hotel. He even put up a billboard marking the site for coming hotel. His vision was of a central, landscaped park, surrounded by businesses of various kinds. He even planned some of the architectural features like trellis roofing and sidewalks in front of the businesses.
It only took one year for Chandler Arizona to begin to look like a real town. There were businesses on the west and south sides of the park. There was also a new bank and the Eastern Railroad depot so you could arrive by train.
Roads around the park perimeter were dirt but easily accommodated wagons, horse carriages and the early Model T Fords that were growing in popularity. The park was grassy, had planted trees, and was divided into a north and south side by the shared canal.
Chandler’s San Marcos Hotel
In November of 1913, the grand opening of the San Marcos took place. There were some 500 initial guests. It was reported that Governor George Hunt and US Vice President Thomas Marshall were among the first guests. The hotel became an annual winter home for many wealthy visitors. Were some of these the first “Snowbirds”?
Chandler’s Economic Beginnings
Crops of cotton, various grains and alfalfa were the principal crops so many early residents also raised cattle and sheep. Ostrich feathers were big in women’s fashion so some also raised the birds for the premiums being paid for top quality feathers which sold for up to $250 a pound. Long-staple cotton was used in WW1 for fabrics and tires of that day also. The Goodyear Tire Company leased land from the Chandler Improvement Company. That to the establishing of the town of Goodyear.
Chandler Arizona was more than 1,000 residents by 1920. Cars had become the main transportation, therefore, the young town’s roads had to be paved. There was for new water and sewage systems to replace the old ones.
1920 also saw the town’s first charter drawn by Arthur Price. Mr. Price was the local Justice of the Peace. In May of 1920, a vote passed to become the Town of Chandler. Dr. Chandler served as the first mayor until an official election could be held.
By 1930, Chandler Arizona was challenged by the growth of technologies and bigger, faster cars. It was recorded that drivers of these cars sometimes missed the end of Arizona Avenue and ran up into the park.
The larger diesel trucks did not have room to move around the narrow roads s around the plaza. Route 87 was aligned down Arizona Avenue and, as a result, the park became split by the new highway.
During World War II, Chandler’s residents doubled to 3,800 due to new military installations nearby.
On May 24, 1954, Doctor Chandler passed away while his dream town of Chandler was upgraded from a town to a City.
Chandler Arizona Today
More recently, Chandler has expanded, and the population has grown from 30,000 in 1980 to around 250,000 today. There are many wonderful neighborhoods to choose from and top rated schools for the students.
Chandler’s economy now includes a strong manufacturing and electronics presence, however, agriculture remains a vital part of the Chandler economy. Chandler has some of the highest rated K-12 schools in the united states, including an Arizona State University campus in Chandler.
Family events like the Ostrich Festival make Chandler a popular destination for people all across the country. The old town and the famous silk stocking district are additional areas of historic interest to tourists.
Chandler offers some of the best in sun belt living! The future looks bright for Chandler Arizona.