List of historic structures in Gilbert, Arizona
This is a list, which includes a photographic gallery, of some of the remaining historic buildings in Gilbert, Arizona, a town in Maricopa County] which was founded as a farming community. The town of Gilbert is located southeast of Phoenix within the city's metropolitan area. During World War 1, Gilbert was known as the "Hay Shipping Capital of the World". The Gilbert Elementary School which was built in 1913, and now houses the Gilbert Historical Museum, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Other structures are considered historical by the Gilbert Historical Society. Brief history William Michael “Bobby” Gilbert was born on December 14, 1861, near Lexington, Kentucky. His mother Sally suffered from asthma and therefore in 1882, he and his family moved to Mesa, Arizona, believing that the subtropical, hot desert type of climate would benefit her. William and his father became very active in the real estate business in the East Valley and homesteaded 160 acres in the area. The Phoenix and Eastern Railroad wanted to build a rail line from Phoenix to Kearny and the mining finds along the Gila River. On October 24, 1902, William sold the right-of-way across his homestead to the Phoenix and Eastern Railroad. Two months later, on December 14, 1902, the railroad company purchased an additional parcel in order to create a spur line parallel to the main line. The railroad company finished laying the line on the rectangular spur by 1903 and a depot was built which they named the Gilbert Depot. The local farmers used the depot to ship their produce. The first grocery store in Gilbert, named Ayer's Grocery Store, was established in 1910. The store also served as the first post office. The post office was moved various times until it was finally moved to 225 S Val Vista Dr. where it is currently located. During World War 1, hay to feed the horses was very much in demand. Gilbert became known as the "Hay Capital of the World" until the late 1920s. The town of Gilbert was officially incorporated in 1920. Gilbert Historical Society & Museum The Gilbert Historical Society & Museum is located within the original Gilbert Elementary School built in 1913 in the southern end of the Gilbert Heritage District at the southwest corner of Gilbert Rd. and Elliot Rd. The Gilbert Historical Society was established in 1960. The goal of the society is to "Preserve the Past for the Future." Historic structures The following is a brief description of the historic structures which are pictured. One of these structures are listed in the National Register of Historic Places while others are located in Gilberts downtown Historic Heritage District and are listed as historical by the Gilbert Heritage District. Gilbert Elementary School was built in 1913. It is located at 10 S. Gilbert Rd. and now houses the Gilbert Historical Museum. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Gilbert High School was built in 1920. It now houses the Gilbert