In 1859, Alphonso Chandler and his brother Haskell moved their families from Georgia to these rolling, wooded hills between Kickapoo Creek and the Neches River. They were one of the earliest white families in this area. Alphonso established a general store on his property, and in 1873 a US Post Office was added. The site was called Stillwater. By 1880 the Cotton Belt Railroad was expanding westward, and Mr. Chandler deeded land to the Texas & St. Louis Railroad for tracks and a depot. Land was also donated for schools, churches and a cemetery. The railroad brought new businesses, and the town, now called Chandler, quickly grew.

Chandler is also the birthplace of former U.S. Senator Ralph Yarborough. Many items from his career as a statesman and author are on display at the Chandler Public Library including letters and documents from the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Senator Yarborough was in the car behind the President and Governor John Connally on that day.

Chandler is located on State Highway 31 just 8 miles west of Tyler, Texas. The "City with a Heart" is the gateway to beautiful Lake Palestine. The Neches River is the main source for this man-made lake south of the city. Various waterfowl inhabit this area and during the cooler season it becomes home to many migratory species. Bald eagles can often be seen soaring in the skies and diving for fish.

Chandler is part of Brownsboro Independent School District. Two campuses are located within the city limits. Chandler Elementary is a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School. Chandler Intermediate is one of the newly constructed facilities in the district. Students attend secondary schools in Brownsboro.