West of
Highway 99 between
Bakersfield and
Tulare. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is the only California town to be founded, financed and governed by African Americans. Colonel Allen Allensworth and a group of others dedicated to improving the economic and social status of African Americans founded the small farming community in 1908. Uncontrollable circumstances, including a drop in the water table, resulted in the towns demise. The town is being restored now as a state historic park. Tours are available by making arrangements with the park in advance. The visitor center also features a video "The Spirit of Allensworth."
The most important building is the schoolhouse that was in use until 1972, and is furnished for period 1915.
Fifteen campsites are open year round accommodating RVs or tents, with table, camp stove and nearby flush toilets. Facilities for the disabled are available. A nearby picnic area is shaded by 75 large trees planted by the California Conservation Corps.
