How it all began
Nestled in the foothills of Idaho's Portneuf Valley, Chesterfield Offers an excellent visitor experience. Located between Lava Hot Springs and Soda Springs, Idaho and along the Oregon Trail. The Idaho village established in 1880, is a significant historic site that calls attention to a specific period of time.
The idea for settlement first came to Chester Call as he was traveling through the valley in 1880, in search of grazing land away from the overcrowded Salt Lake Valley. The next spring, he brought his family up to settle a small ranch. He rallied some friends and family, and before too long, the town of Chesterfield arose in the foothills of Idaho's Portneuf Valley.
Today, the historic town site is run by the Chesterfield Foundation and has been since 1980 when the first building, the Meetinghouse, was reconstructed. Most of the historic homes have been restored to their original state. New restorations, maintenance, and repairs are all accomplished through donations and volunteer work. If you would like to contribute to the restoration of Chesterfield, please visit our "Donate" page. If you would like to experience Chesterfield for yourself, please, come and "Visit". We look forward to seeing you!
Today, the historic town site is run by the Chesterfield Foundation and has been since 1980 when the first building, the Meetinghouse, was reconstructed. Most of the historic homes have been restored to their original state. New restorations, maintenance, and repairs are all accomplished through donations and volunteer work. If you would like to contribute to the restoration of Chesterfield, please visit our "Donate" page. If you would like to experience Chesterfield for yourself, please, come and "Visit". We look forward to seeing you!
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Historical story
Chester Call File, DUP History Collection
Being a bishop and a polygamist, Chester Call was a prominent figure pursued by federal agents and U.S. marshals. For about ten years, from 1882 until 1893, Chester spent considerable time avoiding arrest. On one occasion while he was attending a church service, marshals stationed themselves at the doors to arrest polygamists when the meeting ended.
Chester was informed that the agents were waiting to capture him. As soon as the meeting was over, he changed clothing while another man by the name of Mabey, who was dressed like Chester and about the same size and age, left the church looking as suspicious as possible. As soon as he caught the eyes of the agents, he ran down the street.
As hoped, the agents chased him. When they finally caught him, they demanded to know his name. “Are you Chester Call?” “Mabey,” he answered. “Maybe it is and maybe it ain’t, but you’re under arrest,” charged the marshals. Meanwhile, Chester had slipped out unnoticed, jumped onto his buckboard, and escaped undetected.”
Chester was informed that the agents were waiting to capture him. As soon as the meeting was over, he changed clothing while another man by the name of Mabey, who was dressed like Chester and about the same size and age, left the church looking as suspicious as possible. As soon as he caught the eyes of the agents, he ran down the street.
As hoped, the agents chased him. When they finally caught him, they demanded to know his name. “Are you Chester Call?” “Mabey,” he answered. “Maybe it is and maybe it ain’t, but you’re under arrest,” charged the marshals. Meanwhile, Chester had slipped out unnoticed, jumped onto his buckboard, and escaped undetected.”
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