A century-old story of perseverance and belonging will soon take its place in the Southeast Texas landscape as the Beaumont Heritage Society prepares to dedicate a new historical marker honoring Pandit Mehar Chand, one of the first Indian immigrants to earn U.S citizenship.
The public dedication ceremony will be held Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. at 911 Crockett St., the site where Chand once operated a small store that served the local community.
The marker is part of the Texas Historical Commission’s Undertold Marker Program, which recognizes overlooked figures in the state’s history.
Born in India in 1894, Pandit Mehar Chand came to the United States in 1913 in search of opportunity. Like many Asian immigrants of his time, he faced racism and legal restrictions that limited where he could live, work, and even who he could marry. After being driven out of California by laws barring Asians from owning land, Chand moved to Beaumont, where he started anew as a rice farmer, night watchman and small-business owner.
Despite discrimination, Chand built a life with his wife, a Mexican immigrant, and raised a large family.
For Chand’s grandson, Danny Chand, the recognition is both emotional and deeply personal.
“I’m just supremely pleased and happy,” Danny Chand said. “I don’t know if I could overstate it. I was so happy that they reached out to me to apply for the marker in the first place.”
Chand, a political science professor and immigration scholar at Kent State University, said the process began after he discovered his grandfather’s presidential pardon while cleaning up after Hurricane Harvey. His research led to a 2023 Beaumont Enterprise article about his grandfather — a story that later caught the attention of the Jefferson County Historical Commission.
“They were the ones who suggested that I put in the application,” he said. “I was very pleased to see that it was accepted.”
Pandit Chand was a really tough guy, Danny Chand said.
“He was a very small man — smaller than me, and I’m only five-seven — but he worked so hard for the vast majority of his life,” Danny Chand said. “He was resilient and loving. He and my grandmother had 15 children, and he managed to have strong relationships with all of them.”
Although he never met his grandfather, Chand said he has learned much from family stories. Those lessons, he said, still resonate today.
“My grandfather loved this country,” Chand said. “Despite all the obstacles and adversity he faced, he never stopped loving America. He passed that on to his children.”
Kate Hambright, chair of the Jefferson County Historical Commission, said Pandit Chand was an incredible young man.
“His story is one of perseverance, hardship, and, frankly, stubbornness,” she said. “He faced one roadblock after another, but refused to give up on his dream.”
Danny Chand said he hopes the marker will encourage compassion toward modern immigrants.
“When we look at his story and what’s happening today, we should keep in mind he wasn’t much different from many people trying to immigrate now,” Danny Chand said. “I hope his story fosters compassion.”
The Beaumont Heritage Society and Jefferson County Historical Commission emphasized that Pandit Mehar Chand’s legacy represents the courage and determination of countless immigrants who helped build the community.
Shelby Brannon, Beaumont Heritage Society executive director, said the story holds timeless relevance.
“These are the people who helped build America,” Brannon said. “Stories like Chand’s remind us that the pursuit of the American dream is something shared across generations.”
For Danny Chand, who once served as editor of the University Press, returning to Beaumont for the dedication feels like coming home.
“Lamar opened so many opportunities for me,” he said. “I always say, if you cut me, I bleed Lamar red.”
For the Chand family, the unveiling will also serve as a reunion — a chance to honor their patriarch and the enduring values he passed down.
“We’re all just very, very happy,” Danny Chand said. “It’s validation — not just for my family, but for every family who’s ever chased the American dream.”
For more information, visit beaumontheritage.org/event.
