Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
| Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park | |
|---|---|
The restored buildings in Allensworth rise from the San Joaquin Valley | |
| Location | Tulare County, California United States |
| Nearest city | Earlimart, California |
| Coordinates | 35°51′49″N 119°23′20″W / 35.86361°N 119.38889°W |
| Area | 3,715 acres (15.03 km2) |
| Established | 1973 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Allensworth Historic District | |
| Built | 1908 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000263 |
| Added to NRHP | February 23, 1972 |
| Reference no. | 1047 |
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is a state park unit of California, United States, preserving Allensworth, the only California town to be founded, financed and governed by African Americans. The small farming community was founded in 1908 by Lt. Colonel Allen Allensworth, Professor William Payne, William Peck, a minister; John W. Palmer, a miner; and Harry A. Mitchell, a real estate agent, dedicated to improving the economic and social status of African Americans. Colonel Allensworth (1842–1914) had a friendship with Booker T. Washington and was inspired by the Tuskegee Institute and development in its neighboring town. Allensworth hoped to develop the "Tuskegee of the West".
Uncontrollable circumstances, including a drop in the area's water table, resulted in the town's demise. Allensworth is now an unincorporated area in Tulare County.
The park has a train station on the San Joaquins line, that is used during special events at the park, or when large tour groups book a stop.