A Brief History of Chesterfield

A Brief history of the "Chesterfield" part of West Valley
The land was extremely Alkali and best suited for grazing. By 1870 several canals were built but most settlers were discouraged due to lack of drink/irrigation water.
In the 1890's Salts and minerals were heavy in the water and most crops couldn't survive. Much of the land was low-lying and flooded creating little alkaline ponds. Many worked tirelessly to tame the land and fix the excess minerals in the water and land.

In 1889 the EL Dorado Subdivision was formed. Less than 20 lots were sold but conditions were too hard and the subdivision was abandoned.

In 1914, Land developers from the Kimball & Richards company launched the small town of Chesterfield. Many lots were sold. The community was marketed several ways. I have included many advertisements. One marketing tool was used to encourage Salt Lake residents to purchase a small 2nd home in Chesterfield and farm the land as a 2nd job.
There were wonderful plans in store for the Town of Chesterfield until the Recession of 1920 hit.
At that time land sales in the town of Chesterfield and surrounding communities halted. The project and vision that the Kimball & Richards company died.

During the Great Depression over 100 lots were sold and built with the help of the County Welfare Department. This service was welcomed by families that were hit hard by the Recession and then the Depression.
Building conditions were really tough at that time in history. Many dwellings consisted of 1 to 2 rooms with no heating source or bathtubs. The community was often referred to as Tent City" because it welcomed any type of housing construction.

The Chesterfield Civic League was established in the 1940's. This group was made up of community members. They encouraged the beautification of the area.
In the 1950's, with the improvement of water and sanitation west of the Jordan River, there was a boom in the 1950's and housing improved in the area.

Chesterfield is a desired place to live. It is often referred to as a wonderful group of homes. Many homes were build in Eclectic manners, no two homes are the same. Old and New, Tall and small are all unified in this tight knit community that resides just east of Redwood Road.
Even today the community works together too deal with transient community using the Jordan River as a squatting ground. Many residents are active in the local government to keep the Jordan River area transient free.
The area has several large business parks, many charter schools and the Jordan River Parkway has a Workman Community Park.   -Sheri-