Founded in 1891, the town's name refers to President Harrison's Secretary of the Interior, George Chandler. A man named Bill Tilgman was instrumental in developing the town and selling the land. He later became the local police chief and eradicated almost all organized crime in Oklahoma. Tragically, he was shot in 1924 and is considered one of the last victims of the Wild West. Chandler had devoted himself entirely to growing cotton. Even children were learning how to harvest cotton, and compulsory schooling was often neglected until the entire harvest was harvested by mid-November. Every day at noon sharp and midnight sharp, shift changes were called, for many the only form of timekeeping. Today, many relics of old Route 66 can be found in the city, which billed itself as "Oklahoma's best kept secret."
Lincoln Motel
Tired Route 66 travelers have been able to lie down and start the next day well rested since 1939.