Remembering at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
This week we’re taking a step back in time and visiting one of central California’s small state parks. Join me as we celebrate Black History Month by exploring Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park and remembering the African American pioneers who settled here over a century ago.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in Central California
Colonel Allensworth House in the town of Allensworth
Allen Allensworth
Colonel Allen Allensworth was an Army chaplain, an educator, and an orator. Born into slavery in 1842, he was encouraged by his mother to pursue learning to read and write despite the law which prohibited education of slaves. In 1862 he fled slavery and joined the union Navy, and after the Civil War he married Josephine Leavell, a gifted Musician and school teacher.
Mr. and Mrs. Allensworth raised two daughters, and after achieving his doctorate in theology, Allensworth became the chaplain to the 24th Infantry, which was 1 of 4 African-American Army regiments. He was the first African American to achieve the rank of lieutenant colonel, and he blazed trails in adult education by establishing educational programs for African-American soldiers in the US Army. In 1906 Colonel Allensworth retired from the military and became a highly sought-after lecturer.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in Central California
Colonel Allensworth House in the town of Allensworth
Town of Allensworth Founding
In 1906 Colonel Allen Allensworth met Professor William Payne in Los Angeles, California. Both men had a strong desire to live in an environment where they could live free from discrimination, so in 1908 they formed the California Colony and Home Promotion Association, purchasing 800 acres along the Santa Fe Rail Line. Led by Colonel Allensworth, the first town in the state of California to be fully founded, financed, governed, and entirely populated by Black Americans was established on August 3rd, 1908.
Mary Dickinson Memorial Library at Allensworth
Singleton General Store & Post Office in Allensworth
Town Development
The town of Allensworth received immediate interest and was considered an early success as people from all across the country came to populate the town...in some cases people purchased property sight unseen here. By 1912 residents had built numerous buildings, including a general store, hotel, barbershop, schoolhouse, and numerous homes. In fact, Allensworth became California’s first African-American school district.
Milner Barbershop at Allensworth
Carter Livery Stable & farming equipment
Hindsman Co. General Store in Allensworth
Decline & Conservation
Unfortunately, 1914 was a devastating year for the young town when its founder, Colonel Allensworth, was visiting Monrovia, CA to preach at a church. He was tragically struck and killed by a motorcycle while crossing the road. Around the same time, the Santa Fe Railroad moved its rail stop away from Allensworth and the town lost much of its economic base. A failing water supply also became a major problem for residents, and during the following years, drought and poor crop yields became an insurmountable obstacle for the town.
Residents slowly left and, sadly, the town continued to decline. In the 1960s arsenic was found in the water supply and Allensworth was ultimately scheduled for demolition. By 1973 the town no longer appeared on the California map, but a dedicated group of individuals, including some former residents, continued to advocate for the town as a vital cultural resource. As a result of their efforts, the California Department of Parks and Recreation purchased land within the historic townsite of Allensworth in 1974, and Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park was established and proclaimed California State Historic Landmark #1047.
First Baptist Church at Col Allensworth State Historic Park
Ashby House at Col Allensworth State Historic Park
Allensworth House living room
Visiting Today
Today park visitors can walk the streets and visit over two dozen historic building sites. From the public library and schoolhouse to the general store, each building tells a fascinating story about the town. The main road is paved and the park is easily drivable. A large parking area can be found next to the Visitor Center, which has many informative and historic displays. Some of the buildings were in such disrepair that they had to be fully restored (including the first baptist church), but as many original and salvaged materials were used as possible to reflect the original structures. Many of the historic homes and businesses that have been restored and reconstructed also showcase period interior decor and are staged to reflect how they would appeared in the early 20th Century.
Col Allensworth State Historic Park Visitor Center display
Inside the Col Allensworth State Historic Park Visitor Center
Location
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is situated 3 1/2 hours south of San Francisco and 2 1/2 hours north of Los Angeles in Central California just off Central Valley Highway 43 (about 40 miles north of Bakersfield). This site was originally chosen for establishing Allensworth in part due to the placement of the original railroad station here. Trains were vital in developing the town and its economy, bringing mail, supplies, building materials and people to the town’s front door. Just outside of the park entrance, you see where the rail line once stopped.
Railroad Stationmaster’s Office at Allensworth
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in the Central Valley
Know Before You Go
• The park is open daily from 9am-Sunset. The Visitor Center is open daily from 10am to 4pm.
• Please phone the park office at (661) 849-3433 in advance of your visit to arrange a viewing of the film "Allensworth: A Piece of the World" (a 37 minute film about the park and history of Allensworth).
• There are campsites located adjacent to the town and are open all year, which accommodate RVs or tents. Reservations are not necessary, but can be made at Reserve California at least 48 hours prior to your stay.
• The Central Valley is hot in Summer and mild in Winter. Winter temperatures can be below freezing, but snow is rare. Summer temperatures are regularly above 100 degrees, so remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection.
• Most of the park buildings have accessible entry ramps.
• Founded in 1984, the Friends of Allensworth is the non-profit cooperating association that works with the State of California’s Department of Parks and Recreation. The mission of the FOA is to support, promote, and advance the educational and interpretive activities of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.
• There are several ways to explore Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. To schedule a guided tour of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, phone the park office at least 72 hours in advance of your visit at (661) 849-3433, and you can also request the Friends of Allensworth tour as well.
• A self-guided "Cell Phone Tour" is available on site. Each stop provides a brief history of the town's residents.
• Every year this state park holds multiple events, including a Black History Month Festival, Juneteenth Festival, and the annual Rededication Festival held every October. Visit the official park website for dates and details.
• Day use park entry is free, and parking for special events is $5.00 per vehicle.
Allensworth Elementary School
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. For a virtual visit, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure encouragement where you go.
Col Allensworth State Historic Park in the Central Valley
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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