Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
3.0
Address
Grant Dr, Earlimart, CA 93219, USA
Telephone
(661) 849-3433
Fun Facts
1. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in California was the only town in the entire state founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. It was named after Colonel Allen Allensworth, who became the highest-ranking African American officer in the U.S. Army during his time.
2. The park is home to the historic Allensworth Schoolhouse, which was built in 1913. This one-room schoolhouse provided education for the children of the town and has been beautifully preserved, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience an early 20th-century classroom.
3. Hidden gem: The park hosts an annual Juneteenth celebration, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It's a vibrant event featuring music, dancing, food, and historical reenactments that honor and celebrate African American culture and achievements.
4. The town of Allensworth had its own electricity, water supply, and even a telephone system, which was quite impressive for its time. This self-sufficient community was founded with the goal of creating a sustainable and prosperous African American town in an era marked by racial inequality.
5. Hidden gem: The park offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore the historic buildings and sites. Don't miss the chance to learn about the residents and hear their stories, which vividly depict the challenges and accomplishments of this pioneering African American community.
2. The park is home to the historic Allensworth Schoolhouse, which was built in 1913. This one-room schoolhouse provided education for the children of the town and has been beautifully preserved, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience an early 20th-century classroom.
3. Hidden gem: The park hosts an annual Juneteenth celebration, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It's a vibrant event featuring music, dancing, food, and historical reenactments that honor and celebrate African American culture and achievements.
4. The town of Allensworth had its own electricity, water supply, and even a telephone system, which was quite impressive for its time. This self-sufficient community was founded with the goal of creating a sustainable and prosperous African American town in an era marked by racial inequality.
5. Hidden gem: The park offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore the historic buildings and sites. Don't miss the chance to learn about the residents and hear their stories, which vividly depict the challenges and accomplishments of this pioneering African American community.
Tips
1. Recreation experiences: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park offers various recreational experiences. Make sure to explore the hiking trails and bring binoculars for birdwatching. Additionally, the park provides opportunities for camping, fishing, and picnicking, so consider planning activities around these options.
2. Money-saving tricks: To save money, pack your own food and beverages for picnics and meals, as the park does not have a restaurant or food services. Bring reusable water bottles to stay hydrated throughout your visit and reduce waste. Additionally, consider purchasing a California State Parks Pass if you plan to visit multiple state parks in the region, as this can provide savings on entrance fees.
3. Enjoyed locations: The historic town site within Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is a must-visit location. Explore the buildings and learn about the history of the only California town founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Take time to visit the visitor center and participate in any guided tours or programs offered during your visit.
4. Food and dining tips: Since there are no dining options within the park, consider bringing a cooler filled with your favorite snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. This will allow you to have a picnic anywhere within the park while maximizing your time enjoying nature.
5. Best time to travel and safety recommendation: The best time to travel to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is during the spring or fall when temperatures are milder. Summer can be hot, so it's essential to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Additionally, remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water while exploring the park's outdoor areas. As with any outdoor adventure, always be aware of your surroundings and follow park rules and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your family.
2. Money-saving tricks: To save money, pack your own food and beverages for picnics and meals, as the park does not have a restaurant or food services. Bring reusable water bottles to stay hydrated throughout your visit and reduce waste. Additionally, consider purchasing a California State Parks Pass if you plan to visit multiple state parks in the region, as this can provide savings on entrance fees.
3. Enjoyed locations: The historic town site within Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is a must-visit location. Explore the buildings and learn about the history of the only California town founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Take time to visit the visitor center and participate in any guided tours or programs offered during your visit.
4. Food and dining tips: Since there are no dining options within the park, consider bringing a cooler filled with your favorite snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. This will allow you to have a picnic anywhere within the park while maximizing your time enjoying nature.
5. Best time to travel and safety recommendation: The best time to travel to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is during the spring or fall when temperatures are milder. Summer can be hot, so it's essential to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Additionally, remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water while exploring the park's outdoor areas. As with any outdoor adventure, always be aware of your surroundings and follow park rules and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your family.
Reviews
Review 1 (Positive):
"Visiting Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park was a remarkable experience! The park showcases the rich history of African American settlement in California. The cost of entry was reasonable, and the facilities were well-maintained. I especially loved the guided tours that provided insights into the lives of the residents. A must-visit for history enthusiasts!"
Review 2 (Positive):
"Exploring Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park was an absolute delight. The park offers a serene environment, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. The visitor center was informative and staff members were friendly and helpful. I highly recommend checking out the historical exhibits and attending the educational programs. It's an enlightening experience for all ages!"
Review 3 (Improvement):
"While I enjoyed my visit to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, I felt that there was a lack of clear signage and directional information. It would be helpful to have more visible maps and markers throughout the park to guide visitors to different attractions and facilities. Improved wayfinding signage would greatly enhance the overall visitor experience."
Nearby POI
Allensworth Historic Town Site (California Historical Landmark #1047), Colonel Allensworth State Park Campground, Fernando's Diesel Repair