History
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park preserves Allensworth, the only California town founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Established in 1908 in the southern San Joaquin Valley, the community was created by Colonel Allen Allensworth and fellow founders as a place where Black families could own land, gain education, and pursue economic independence. Farming and local businesses supported a growing settlement with a school, library, hotel, church, store, and other institutions. Decline began after water problems emerged in 1912 and worsened after Allensworth's death in 1914. Later preservation saved the townsite, which now stands as a rare reminder of an ambitious self-governing Black community.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Allensworth, California · United States
