Dr. Alexander John Chandler, the territory of Arizona's first veterinary surgeon, purchased 80 acres of Salt River Valley land from the federal government in 1891. Dr. Chandler studied irrigation engineering, a relatively new profession, and was essential in constructing an early system of canals in what was then a barren desert.

Dr. Chandler had amassed an 18,000-acre ranch at the turn of the century. According to the Salt River Project's charter, each landowner may only get enough water to irrigate 160 acres. Dr. Chandler hired planners and architects to assist him subdivide his property and create a townsite map. He then offered Chandler Ranch properties for sale on a national scale.

Chandler's limits have been expanded in recent years, and the population has increased from 30,000 in 1980 to more than 240,000 presently. Chandler's economic basis has diversified. While agriculture remains important, Chandler today has a thriving manufacturing and electronics industry.

The downtown stores have been modernized versions of their original turn-of-the-century appearance, and the plaza has been rebuilt and named after the city's founder. The City's future is bright, thanks to the Center for the Arts, new parks, restaurants, and retail areas.

Chandler is a popular destination for visitors from all over the country, thanks to family festivities like the Ostrich Festival and a slew of other annual events.

And Chandler residents have an unrivaled quality of life in the Valley today. Dr. Chandler appears to have known what he was doing the day he dreamed of this desert beauty.

Chandler is located in Maricopa County.