Long before Gila Bend became a town, the Hohokam Indians planted crops. These ancient inhabitants diverted water from the Gila River to help plants grow. In 1774, the Spanish Captain Juan Bautista de Anza and Father Francisco Tomas Garces passed through and learned of this method of sustaining the crops in the desert landscape. Soon, the area became a popular place to stop when traveling in the area.

Throughout history, Gila Bend has been a resting area for tired travelers. Beginning in 1858, Gila Bend became a stage stop along the overland stage route. This route was a major thoroughfare in Arizona. Then, in 1879 it was a depot for the railroad.

However, agriculture has always been the community's mainstay. Cotton, alfalfa, and grain are the most common crops grown. Today, both agriculture and traveling tourists make Gila Bend a busy town.