In an area of southern Idaho on the Oregon Trail near Soda Springs, Idaho, and Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, lies the quaint little town of Chesterfield, Idaho. Although it has been referred to as a ghost town, it was better thought of as a Latter-day Saint settlement that has been well-preserved as a historic sites district by a group of concerned citizens.
Chesterfield differs from many other Latter-day Saint settlements in that it was spontaneously founded by its first inhabitants and not by assignment from LDS leaders. The settlement drew its name from Chester Call one of the first settlers in 1881. Within a half century, the town peaked and was abandoned.
Today, the Chesterfield Foundation maintains the area. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the foundation offer tours of some of the town’s rebuilt or still extant buildings. These include a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse, amusement hall, store and tithing office. Future restoration projects are on hold due to funding issues.