CHESTERFIELD
    In 1879, Chester Call, a Mormon bishop and Christian Nelson arrived to set up a town in the Portneuf Valley of Idaho. It was on the old Oregon Trail.  Someone remarked that it remined them of Chesterfield, England, and also due to the name of the founder (Chester), the name was decided to be Chesterfield.  Finally, in 1881, Mormon settlers began arriving from the Salt Lake City area and established farms.  A railroad was routed to the site and a sawmill was built ten miles to the south.  In 1883, there was a lottery to decide ownership of the parcels of land.  By 1890, 339 people were here.  By 1900, Chesterfield had a population of 419.  As it turned out, the land didn't produce crops very well.  Building materials were also scarce here.  The town died shortly thereafter. 
     Today, there are many great buildings here due to a conservation and restoration effort by the Mormon church.  IT can be visited today and guided tours are given by the friendly caretakers. 
     Chesterfield is in southeast Idaho about 15 miles north of Bancroft down a dirt road.
return to Idaho ghost towns
                  DIRECTIONS
     From Pocatello, takr I-15 south to exit 47 (Highway 30).  Go east about 20 miles to a turnoff for Bancroft.  Turn north and go a few miles to Bancroft.  Continue north a few more miles to Chesterfield.  Inquire at Bancroft on road conditions and any more specific directions.