Glendale, Arizona was once little more than a small patch of land in the middle of a wide, unmerciful desert. It was not a good place for farming because there was no immediate supply of water, therefore this kept settlers out of the area for hundreds of years.

The information has been provided as a reference, provided on behalf of the Glendale personal injury attorney firm of Goldberg & Osborne.

It wasn't until the 1880s that the city became advanced and homesteaders found the area to be prime property. The reason for this sudden attitude towards the region was the emergence of William Murphy and his team of Arizona builders, which included three men. Their goal was to build a canal that would reach into the area and supply the soil with water a population with ways to hydrate. This was easier said than done. It took three years and 225 mules, as well as every kind of manpower and machinery available, to finish the canal. Once it was done, settlers immediately began to see the profit in moving to an area that was supplied with plenty of water. A desert had become a farming community.

William Bartlett built the first fruit farm here on over 640 acres of land. It was known as the Sauharo Ranch. From then on, he homesteaded property around the canal region, an area today that is known as Central Glendale. It took many years for the area to completely populate, but by the time the turn of the century arrived, it was a booming, successful business community. World War I brought in great prices for cotton, and when World War II arrived, bringing the birth of the Thunderbird Airfield, the perfect training base for pilots going into active combat. Today Glendale is a city full of rich history and an even richer culture.

One of the best things to visit in the area is the Sahuaro Ranch, the same one that belonged to William Bartlett. It was built in 1865 and boasts a tour of the 17 farmhouses on the massive property, including a very lovely rose garden. Annual events are held here, such as the Antique Tractor Show in February. The Cerreta Candy Company is a family owned business. They offer tours of their candy-making facilities Monday through Friday. You won't leave without wanting to pick up something sweet on your way out. Cabela's is almost impossible describe. Half of it is a retailing mecca for outdoorsy enthusiasts, while the other half houses and aquarium and other popular tourist attractions. The White Tank Mountain Regional Park feature more than 21 miles of biking and hiking trails. It's a great place to spend the day and just enjoy the beauty of nature. Thunderbird Park is a Desert Preserve that is the perfect place to engage in a little horseback riding.

The Glendale Chocolate Affaire draws people from everywhere! This sweet event is held every year in February and brings out the sweet tooth in everybody. And of course, Glendale Glitters is the winter holiday string of Christmastime events, from holiday light display contests to carriage rides.