The Gilbert area’s earliest homestead was purchased in 1891; some of these farms were free if the family stayed for at least five years and made improvements on the land.
Others paid the government cash for their land, which could be purchased for as little as 50 cents an acre.
Because of a strip annexation of 53 square miles in 1975 and the construction of the US 60 freeway in the early 80s, growth in Gilbert exploded.
This Centennial video produced by Joe Garcia shares how Gilbert used to be in the years leading up to and after the growth as seen through the eyes of local residents.

To view the Gilbert Heritage District History Walk click here.
Contact Gilbert Museum today
If you have any questions about the Gilbert Museum at HD South, or if you would like to record your Gilbert family history, please feel free to contact us; we’re open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.