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Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Categories: Parks, Landmarks & Historical Buildings
County Road J22Earlimart, CA 93219
(661) 849-3433
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
2 reviews for Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
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.
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People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
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.