Who is the most significant person in the history of the Southeast Valley and why?
Also, let’s define our terms, Southeast Valley is Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert, extending south to the Gila River reservation, southeast to Queen Creek, east to Apache Junction and the Superstition Mountains. So it can’t be Barry Goldwater, etc.
Dr. AJ Chandler. Chandler a veterinarian by trade, was a pioneer in the science of irrigation engineering and was instrumental in building the early canal system in the East Valley. His forward thinking (and some mandates by SRP) pushed him to create the vibrant City of Chandler that still stands today including a central park, golf course and the San Marcos Hotel. His entrepreneurial spirit and creativity is still present in the culture of Chandler today.
Checkout Mt. Rushmore of the Southeast Valley.