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Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Categories: Active Life Parks Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Parks, Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
County Road J22Earlimart, CA 93219
(661) 849-3433
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
5 reviews for Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
5 reviews in English
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Review from fredyt t.
Los Angeles, CA
4/4/2011 3 photos
Allensworth truly is "The Town That Refuses to Die." Many thought Allensworth disappeared, however it sprang back to life with the completion of Allensworth State Historic Park. The park interprets what life was like during its heyday, however many miss the jewel when visiting Allensworth, as their is an active town just to the southwest of the park, which includes a elementary school (K-8).
Allensworth is a great find and once you discover it, many questions will pop in your mind allowing you to explore the possibilities.
http://www.fredyt123.c... -
Review from Major P.
Tustin, CA
3/1/2011
There is HISTORY, and then there is HIS STORY. When I appeared on radio shows (using the name "Mark From Anaheim"),I tried to share United States (US) HISTORY that is rarely discussed in the United States (US) high schools, colleges, or universities.
There are some who may have heard about the Town of Rosewood thanks to a Hollywood movie, which depicted how all of the Blacks were forced to leave. Far less know about the "Black Wall Street" in Oklahoma, which was a thriving Black community before the US . Army shot many of them down in the streets, during the "Tulsa Riots of 1921."
Even fewer people seem toknow about the Town of Allensworth, in Earlimart (Tulare County), California. Allensworthis the first All-Black town in the US, named after the first Black to make it to the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army.
In 1908, a former slave and retired Army chaplain named Lieutenant Colonel Allen Allensworth realized his life's dream: a town started and run entirely by Blacks (quite a feat considering that even Today the area is rife with hardcore open racism. Not too long ago, a high school prom was canceled in nearby Oildale because an interracial couple planned to attend.).
The trains refused to stop in Allensworth to deliver or transport mail / goods. In the 1970's the town died out because of the suspicious deadly arsenic chemicals found within the town's drinking water well.
Today it is a California State Park.Descendants of Colonel Allensworth still reside in the Los Angeles area.Stevie Wonder's KJLH102.3 FM, has featured shows with some of his family members.
During the early 1990's, I used to take my Cowpokes children to Allensworth. I would also provide the lone State Park Ranger, with officer survival-related material, prior to his reassignment. I thought that it was my secret until one day while appearing on the radio, one of Colonel Allensworth's relatives thanked me for the service that I had provided.
It is a part of US History that is a must - visit site.
(SUPPORT CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS & BEACHES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Semper Fi,
"Major Pain"
NOTE: I tried (unsuccessfully), to upload photographs. For those who would like to view photographs several dozen can be found upon my one of my Facebook Sites:
Facebook | Buffalo Soldiers, Montford Point Marines, & Tuskegee Airmen -
Review from InfodivaMLIS B.
San Francisco, CA
11/8/2007 1 photo
Allensworth is the only California town to be founded, financed and governed by African Americans. The small farming community was founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and a group of others dedicated to improving the economic and social status of African Americans. Uncontrollable circumstances, including a drop in the area's water table, resulted in the town's demise. With continuing restoration and special events, the town is coming back to life as a state historic park. The park's visitor center features a film about the site. A yearly rededication ceremony reaffirms the vision of the pioneers.
Seasons/Climate Recommended Clothing
The Central Valley, is hot in summer and mild in winter. Rain falls from October through April. Winter temperatures below freezing can bring frost, but snow is rare. Summer temperatures above 100 degrees are part of the normal pattern.
Visitor Center and Tours
The park has a visitor center and tours are available by making arrangements with the park in advance. The visitor center features a video presentation, "The Spirit of Allensworth," which is available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., any day of the week.
The most important building, historically and in the memory of Allensworth pioneers, is the schoolhouse. It was in use until 1972 and is furnished as it would have been on a school day in 1915. An audio presentation is available on site.
Audio presentations are also available at Grosse's Drug Store, and the Singleton General Store and Post Office.
Also important to the education of Allensworth's citizens was the Mary Dickenson Memorial Library, about 200 yards north of the school.
Colonel Allensworth's residence is furnished in the 1912 period. It contains items from the colonel's life in the service and the ministry. A small display of farm equipment is a reminder of the Allensworth economic base.
Camping
Fifteen campsites, open all year, will accommodate RVs or tents. Each site includes a picnic table and a camp stove; flush toilets are nearby. Facilities for disabled people are available. Turf, trees, and shade ramadas are other features. A nearby picnic area is shaded by 75 large trees, planted by the California Conservation Corps.
More campgrounds are available near Porterville which is about 40 miles north of Allensworth.
Rocky Hill Campground -- 108 sites, primitive.
Army Corps of Engineers -- Success Lake, east of Porterville.
Tule Recreation Area -- 104 sites, disposal station, flush toilets, showers.
KOA Campgrounds -- 5-miles east of Porterville on Hwy 109. Also, 13-miles north of Bakersfield, via SR 99 on Lerdo Highway.
Infodiva's Travel Black History Wild Wild West Black Cowboys Education Gem. Reppin the 415 OMI Ingleside I like to exercize my mind. -
Review from Patrick D.
Los Angeles, CA
7/9/2009
A great historical park, even if the visitor center wasn't open when I went (which wasn't on a weekend, so there weren't many people around). There is a small campground neighboring the park. Lots of toads, not much noise except for coyotes and the trains. Watch for holes in the ground if you walk around at night. The facilities here were well kept. The ranger I met was very helpful. Lots of buildings to check out, so bring comfortable shoes, and some water. There wasn't much shade to cool you off as you walk around the town.
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Review from Alicia W.
Delano, CA
8/2/2010
Lived here outside the park during my youth, during off season the park is a ghost town. It was about a mile down the street from where we lived, so my family would take our nightly walks through the park. They have done a lot to the park since we've left, nice to see the homes and businesses going back up. My mother actually attended the school there on the site while she was a little girl. We have a couple of photos of her in front playing with other children. The town only recently was given the status of state park in the 1970s. So my grandfather still remembers families that used to lived on park grounds. The park is frequented by jack rabbits, burrowing owls and hawks. There is a campground that has occasional visitors. If you are looking to visit, where comfortable shoes, since the houses and businesses are spread apart so you'll do quite a bit of walking. Bring water during the summer months because there is little shade too. When I was younger, I enjoyed going to the park when there wasn't anyone there, but during the annual Jubilee its a pain to have all the tourists around. Its loud and there is a lot of traffic (auto and foot). I'm not so much of a fan of the tram doing its "sight-seeing" around the community either.
