Gilbert, Arizona is a popular retirement community in the Phoenix area. Senior Travel Genie offers resources for restaurants and more. Gilbert has a relatively new history.

Gilbert, AZ History

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.

Incorporated on July 6, 1920, Gilbert is a relatively new community that has seen tremendous growth during the past two decades. 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 1920’s. Gilbert began to take its current shape during the 1970's 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, Gilbert, and Chandler. This proved to be a farsighted decision as Gilbert positioned itself for growth in the 1980's and beyond.

Gilbert, Arizona – Retirement Community and Senior Vacations

Gilbert has experienced a rapid transition from a historically agriculture-based community to an urban center and suburb in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Today, it is a popular retirement community and vacation spot for seniors. Senior Travel Genie provides resources for Gilbert restaurants, hotels and more.