Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

CA

In August 1908 Colonel Allen Allensworth and four other settlers established a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. Their dream of developing an abundant and thriving community stemmed directly from a strong belief in programs that allowed blacks to help themselves create better lives. By 1910 AllensworthÕs success was the focus of many national newspaper articles praising the town and its inhabitants. An unavoidable set of circumstances made it impossible for the residents of this tiny town located 30 miles north of Bakersfield to achieve their foundersÕ dreams over the long term. But the town did remain home to a handful of families and individuals throughout the 20th century, and true to the courage and resolve of its founders, the town has survived and persevered, earning the well-deserved title ÒThe town that refused to die.Ó In 1974 California State Parks purchased land within the historical townsite of Allensworth, and it became Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Today a collection of lovingly restored and reconstructed early 20th-century buildingsÑincluding the ColonelÕs house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and libraryÑonce again dots this flat farm country, giving new life to the dreams of these visionary pioneers. With continuing restoration and special events, the town is coming back to life as a state historic park. The parkÕs visitor center features a film about the site. A yearly rededication ceremony reaffirms the vision of the pioneers.