History of the Railroad In Chandler, AZ

May 08, 2020 · 3 min read

The railroad has played a large part in the history of the Chandler and greater Phoenix area. Arguably, this part of Arizona wouldn't have become the place it is today without the railroad. Here's a quick ride through the history of the railroad in the Chandler area:

The First Spike

The first railroad built in the Phoenix area connected the townspeople of the young city to the Southern Pacific Railroad's Sunset Route, which passed through Arizona 25 miles to the south. Congress approved the railroad line, and in 1886, the first spike was driven. In 1887, it was completed. The line stretched through the Gila River Indian Reservation, connecting what is now the town of Chandler to Maricopa, where it connected to the Southern Pacific line. This line was abandoned sometime in the 1940s.

The Birth of a City

In 1891, a veterinary surgeon named Dr. Alexander John Chandler purchased 80 acres south of the town of Mesa. By 1900, those 80 acres purchased from the federal government had grown to 18,000 acres. Dr. Chandler had plans drawn up to divide his ranch into a series of smaller ranches and a town center. Responding to advertisements for the ranch lands, people began showing up via the newly established Arizona Eastern Railroad to purchase these plots. In short order, a town was born, in no small part due to the railroads that traveled through the area. The Arizona Eastern Railroad was originally the Gila Valley, Globe, and Northern Railway until 1899. In 1905, the Arizona Eastern Railroad was taken into the Southern Pacific Railroad. Though the railroad didn't make it to Chandler, it still played an important part in the city's birth and development.

Where You Can Learn More

If you're in the Chandler area and you want to know more about the role railroads played in its history, visit the Arizona Railway Museum. In this museum, you'll get the chance to explore some of the relics and train cars that were used during various times in Arizona history. The museum itself is a replica of the first train depot in Chandler. Whether you're a train enthusiast or you enjoy Arizona history, you'll love the thousands upon thousands of artifacts to explore in the museum. Within the museum, you'll find everything from timetables and tickets to full-size train cars and photos. The care and attention the volunteers put into commemorating Chandler's railroad history are evident with every visit to this museum. The museum is open from September to the end of May, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is either $15 per family or $5 for adults and $2 for children 2-12. If you want to take a guided group tour of the museum, you can schedule one for $5 per person or $100 per bus. There's no better way to get to know a place than by taking a deeper look into its history. Chandler's history owes much to the railroad, so visit some of the railroad's unique sites today. image via pixabay

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Oct 26, 2020 in Adventures

2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Comparison

In this Ford Bronco vs Bronco Sport comparison, we’ll look at what you need to know about the two newest Ford SUVs. For starters, Big Broncos can be held with a $100 reservation at your Earnhardt Ford dealer. On the other hand, the 2021 Bronco Sports are arriving earlier. These beauties should be here by December 2020. Meet the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport more The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is more of an on-road sport vehicle but it has all of the “retro-cool-looking” style that Motor Trend has been praising. You will notice that it stands higher than other family SUVs, including its Escape sibling. Built similarly to the Ford Escape, it has model-specific springs, dampers, and control arms. The change allows it to claim greater suspension travel and a wider track. This daily commuter is always ready to play. There are five editions, each building on the next. It’s always an automatic, and it’s got two engine choices. You can get every creature comfort, leading technologies, and the stylish, super athletic look, all in one vehicle. Click here for Bronco Sport pricing. Meet the 2021 Ford Bronco Then there’s the 2021 Ford Bronco. It has even more of that style and will offer everything an off-roader could want. Here’s where you can get a manual transmission, if you want it. All of them have a version of GOAT, Ford’s remarkable off-roading system. There are six styles plus a First Edition. The Bronco’s control-arm front suspension makes it unique among Ford SUVs and very distinct from other off-roader. The rear has a Panhard rod and a live axle. Additional off-road options include a front anti-roll-bar disconnect and locking differentials. There’s considerable underbody armor to provide off-road protection. Two advanced turbos let you choose between fast and faster capability. The interior offers the same comforts and technologies as the Bronco Sport, so there’s no downside to upgrading to the Bronco. Well, now that you know more, chat online, call or just drop by Earnhardt Ford. We’ve got all of the specs and information you could want on these two exciting new SUVs. Schedule a test drive.

Aug 14, 2020 in Adventures

An Antique Lover's Paradise: Merchant Square in Chandler, AZ

Does the sight of a cloche hat with feathers tickle your fancy? Do you adorn your walls with vintage advertising signs? Would the sight of a rusty flour sifter make your day? Then you have to check out Merchant Square in Chandler, AZ. more What Is Merchant Square? Imagine a warehouse stuffed full of collectibles, antiques, and memorabilia for your viewing pleasure. Now picture an outdoor marketplace where you can shop underneath the expansive Arizona sky. How about including a separate area where you can find charming decor exclusively for the home and garden? Add to the mix an old-fashioned cafe that is guaranteed to fill your belly with comfort food. Now you can start to get an idea of what is offered at the square. The Indoor Marketplace With over 58,000 square feet of space in the main warehouse alone, you would think they have plenty of room. But this store is jammed packed with vintage goods of all flavors. Pickers, collectors, and bargain hunters can all score that one of a kind piece to bring home. 250 shops are arranged within the gigantic space, and you'll discover all sorts of knick-knacks as you stroll down the aisles. One store might feature old toys, while another will burst with books. You will feel the delight of your inner child as you stroll down memory lane. The Outdoor Marketplace This area is where you will find larger pieces. From farming equipment to industrial tools, if you like your vintage rusty be sure to visit the Outdoor Marketplace. DIY'ers are certain to score here. You can transform a wooden door into a shabby-chic coffee table, or stick an old iron gate in the garden as a trellis for climbing plants. The possibilities are endless. Highland Yard Vintage Highland Yard is the place for those looking to spruce up a bland room in the house. The newest addition to the square dedicates 6000 square feet to treasures suited for the home and garden. Additionally, you may find local artists and designers practicing their craft. Highland Yard is only open four days a month, so be sure to check the calendar before you go. This is one highlight you won't want to miss. American Way Market Cafe The restaurant at the square not only features great food but is packed with vintage as well. The owners chose to decorate with great pieces they picked up all over the country. They repurposed the booth seats from a dance hall and snagged the chairs from an old schoolhouse. Don't let the decor distract you from the home-cooked food though. The cafe's outstanding menu features American classics such as pulled pork and barbeque chicken sandwiches. Plus you can sample a vintage soda from the fountain to wash it all down. If you can't fit all of your fabulous finds in your current vehicle, then it may be time for an upgrade. Swing by Earnhardt Ford today and check out our wide selection of vehicles in all sizes. At Earnhardt Ford, we've been the home of the No Bull promise since 1951.

Jul 10, 2020 in Adventures

4 Date Night Ideas You Can Do in Chandler, AZ

Whether you want to plan a unique first date or take some time to reconnect with your significant other, you can find something fun to do in Chandler. You don't have to stick to the plain old dinner and a movie either. This part of Arizona has lots of activities and attractions you can check out if you want to do something different. Take a look at these date night ideas you can do in Chandler. more Digital Drive-In Take the short trip to Mesa and experience the area's first digital drive-in. The massive 24-feet by 40-feet digital high definition screen at Digital Drive-In AZ is the first of its kind in Arizona, and the drive-in is now showing movies seven days a week. You can pack a picnic dinner or just snacks to munch on during the movie and head to 1901 N. Alma School Road for a new-and-improved drive-in experience. If you want to get out of the car, you can sit outside right next to it. Bring your four-legged friend, too, as long as they stay in the car. The Digital Drive-In will play movies rain or shine, so keep your date even if it looks like rain. The Ivy Mediterranean Lounge The Ivy sits on the trendy southern end of Chandler. It features a Mediterranean menu with lots of Greek appetizers, such as spanakopita and hummus. For dinner, choose one of their exquisite entrees to share or indulge in for yourself. Try the paella with a Mediterranean twist, the lamb chops, or classic surf 'n' turf. Enjoy a romantic meal on the large, plush patio, a comfortable place to sit outside for a relaxing evening. Burst of Butterflies Get creative on your date at Burst of Butterflies Paint Your Own Pottery. You can each pick a piece to paint from the hundreds of different items, and there are paints, brushes, and glaze colors, too. Sit and chat while you paint your piece, and then hand it over to the staff who will kiln fire it for you. You can also choose from wineglasses, beer mugs, and mason jars if you want to paint glass instead of pottery. Call ahead to make a reservation if you have a group date, or just stop by if it's just the two of you. Imagine 3D Mini Golf If you are a fan of mini-golf, Imagine 3D Mini Golf makes a unique and fun date. This family-owned business has locations in Gilbert and Scottsdale, with 18-hole indoor glow-in-the-dark courses. It's also the perfect way to get out of the Arizona heat. You can play with or without 3D glasses depending on how much of a challenge you want, but adding the glasses also adds to the fun. Go on Thursdays after 5 p.m. to get two-for-one admission for you and your date. Take a drive to one of these Chandler-area locations for a one-of-a-kind date night. You can make the most of the area attractions and plan something fun. image via pixabay

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