In 1902, the Arizona Eastern Railway was asking 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.
Because of the area's rich land, Gilbert became a center for growing and shipping cattle, sheep, dairy products, grains, melons, cotton, and alfalfa hay. During World War I, the cavalry needed an ever-increasing amount of alfalfa to feed their horses. Gilbert helped supply their need, becoming known as the Hay Shipping Capital of the World.
In 1920, the town's 500 citizens incorporated, and Gilbert was officially born. Over the next 50 years growth was slow-to-moderate. Then, beginning in 1980, Gilbert experienced a population boom. In the last decade and a half, Gilbert has grown at a pace unparalleled by most communities in the United States, increasing population from 5,717 in 1980 to approximately 122,000 in January 2002.
The town's history has been captured in the Gilbert Historical Society Museum. Located in a building that was once the original Town School, this unique museum is open between October and May, Tuesdays from 1-4pm and Saturdays from 9am-4pm.
Gilbert is the ninth fastest growing community in the nation. Doubling in size every five years since 1980 the town has faced many challenges of preserving the small town atmosphere of the community.
Insulated from the fast pace of Phoenix, Gilbert offers many amenities including parks, equestrian trails, fishing, boating and local business services, all within walking distance. Gated communities, as well as horse properties are available in Gilbert.
A home town to enjoy! Gilbert provides a wide variety of activities for the enjoyment of its residents through the Parks and Recreation Department. Horse shows at Rodeo Park, sports programs such as soccer and softball leagues, and adult education are a few of the programs offered through the recreation department. The Easter Eggstravaganza, Halloween Carnival, So Long to Summer Fest, Summer Concerts in the Park, and the Christmas Tree Lighting are annual events presented by the Parks and Recreation Department.
