Welcome to the Allensworth Historic Town Site, a unique monument to African American self-determination and community building in the early 20th century. At this location, you are transported back to 1908, when Lt. Colonel Allen Allensworth, along with Professor William Payne, Reverend William Peck, John W. Palmer, and Harry A. Mitchell, embarked on a bold venture to establish a town where African Americans could thrive socially and economically.
Colonel Allensworth, inspired by the principles of Booker T. Washington and the Tuskegee Institute, sought to create a ‘Tuskegee of the West’ here in Tulare County, California. The town of Allensworth was strategically located along a railroad corridor with fertile soil and initially abundant water sources, making it an ideal site for a prosperous farming community. Residents here cultivated alfalfa, wheat, sugar beets, and cotton, and engaged in various trades and businesses. By 1910, Allensworth was heralded in national newspapers for its success and promise.
The town thrived under the governance of the Allensworth Progressive Association, which included both men and women in leadership roles. Public buildings such as a school, library, church, and hotel were erected, and the community generated significant monthly revenue through its diverse business ventures.
However, the flourishing town faced challenges. By 1914, declining water tables and problems with alkali salts began to jeopardize the community’s water supply. These issues, coupled with other economic pressures, eventually led to the town’s decline. Despite these setbacks, the legacy of Allensworth endures as a testament to the vision and determination of its founders.
Today, as you explore the park, you can reflect on the stories of resilience and hope that this town represents. The preservation of Allensworth serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions and aspirations of African Americans in shaping their own futures.
