Our Stories: Dr. Chandler and the Land Fraud that Built the Valley

Explore Chandler’s early history to understand how people acquired land. Chandler Museum Administrator, Jody Crago, will set the stage with the need to get water to the area and explain the canal system from Mesa to the south Valley. Next, learn how Dr. AJ Chandler facilitated business deals as he sold land and reacquired it when people could not pay their mortgage. Topics include the Desert Land Act of 1877, the Consolidated Canal Company, Land Sale Day in Chandler in 1912, and the Congressional Investigation that followed. The Our Stories speaker series hosts speakers throughout the year to provide expert insight into the history of Chandler, the Valley and Arizona. Presentations in this series are presented by the Chandler Museum, Chandler Historical Society, Chandler Public Library and the City of Chandler Cultural Affairs Division, bringing arts, history and culture to Chandler residents and visitors.