Roosevelt Dam, 1909
- Chandler Museum
Dr. A.J. Chandler was a major proponent of the Roosevelt Dam and played a critical role in ensuring that the dam on the Salt River would become America's first nationally funded reclamation project, 1909
For most of the early history of this region, the Salt River was the main source of water and was essential for the Valley's agricultural and economic growth. Unfortunately for early residents, alternating drought and flood cycles made its flow erratic and farming a challenge. However, this did not dissuade Dr. Chandler from investing in the region.
Chandler thought the Valley could become a green garden if a consistent flow for the Salt River could be established. If a reservoir could be built in the mountains to the east, it could retain sufficient amounts of water to get the valley through times of drought, and spare damage to the canal systems when flooding occurred.
As early as 1889, Dr. Chandler, with other investors in the valley, tried to build a dam on the Salt River with private money. However, these efforts ultimately failed for a variety of reasons.