Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

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Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park A California State Historical Park This is the Official California State Park page for Colonel Allensworth SHP, updated by the staff of CASHP.

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 Allensworth’s 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 founders’ 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 “The town that refused to die.”

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 restored and reconstructed early 20th-century buildings—including the Allensworth’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library—once again dots this rural farm country, giving new life to the dreams of these visionary pioneers.

The park’s maintenance staff repaired several roofs on outbuildings behind the Hackett house this week at Colonel Allens...
10/21/2026

The park’s maintenance staff repaired several roofs on outbuildings behind the Hackett house this week at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

Today, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park commemorated the 50th anniversary of the park’s dedication. This was such...
10/11/2026

Today, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park commemorated the 50th anniversary of the park’s dedication. This was such a fun event! Several descendants of early Allensworth residents spoke to visitors celebrating this milestone. California State Parks looks forward to the next 50 years of preserving the unique and important history of Allensworth.

Today, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park commemorated the 50th anniversary of the park’s dedication. Smithsonian I...
10/11/2026

Today, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park commemorated the 50th anniversary of the park’s dedication. Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, III sent a message to the park to mark this milestone. Watch the video to see his message.

Smithsonian Institute Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch speaks about the im...

These roofs were repaired in preparation for the park’s 50th anniversary celebration on October 10th. The Allensworth Li...
10/07/2026

These roofs were repaired in preparation for the park’s 50th anniversary celebration on October 10th. The Allensworth Library, front porch of the Hackett house and porch on the Hackett barn needed some repairs. These roofs are now water tight and ready for inclement weather.

10/06/2026
Park maintenance staff have been working to get ready for the park’s 50th anniversary celebration on October 10.
10/03/2026

Park maintenance staff have been working to get ready for the park’s 50th anniversary celebration on October 10.

09/26/2026

Take the train to Allensworth! ❤️🚆

Mark your calendar for the Rededication Ceremony on Saturday, October 10th. 🎉 Get special-priced train tickets and make getting there part of the fun! Come celebrate, explore, and be part of the festivities. 🙌

Join us on Saturday, October 10, 2026 in celebrating 50 years since Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park was dedicate...
09/10/2026

Join us on Saturday, October 10, 2026 in celebrating 50 years since Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park was dedicated and opened to the public at the Annual Rededication. Activities for the celebration include:

9AM - The Colonel Allensworth 5k Run/Walk for Health 5K certified race to raise support for the State Park and to raise awareness about health issues which is one of the highest priorities facing California and the country at large. All proceeds from the 5K race will benefit the park. Registration: $25 adults; $20 seniors; $10 (Youth 12 years and younger) payable to the California State Parks Foundation. For additional information please call (916) 346-4767. Virtual Runner Walker: Donation of $25 or more you will receive a T-shirt by mail. Register at https://www.active.com/earlimart-california-ca/running/distance-running/colonel-allensworth-18th-annual-5k-run-walk-for-health-2026 .

11AM - Tour the historic and reconstructed buildings throughout the park and learn about Lieutenant Colonel Allen Allensworth, a minister and teacher and the highest-ranking African American officer of his time, retired from the military and came to California, where he joined Professor William Payne, an educator; Dr. William Peck, a minister; John Palmer, a Nevada miner; and Harry Mitchell, a Los Angeles realtor, to form the California Colony and Home Promoting Association. In 1908, they established the town of Allensworth, a town built on the idea of the dignity of the human spirit. The African American people who settled in Allensworth wished to build a place of their own where they could control their own destiny and where they could achieve their full potential, free from discriminatory laws and practices of the time. Enjoy music, live entertainment, historical reenactors of the Buffalo Soldiers, dancing, food and merchandise for purchase. Enjoy watching the film Allensworth: A Piece of the World to learn more about the impact of Allensworth on California history. Admission is free.

1PM - Official rededication ceremony of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park to the people of California at the day use area stage.

Amtrak Gold Runner is providing discounted tickets to the Allensworth whistle stop for this event.

The visitor center at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park will be temporarily closed beginning Friday, September 4th...
09/04/2026

The visitor center at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park will be temporarily closed beginning Friday, September 4th through the end of the month for repairs and to replace the adjacent deck. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause during construction.

Support Col. Allensworth State Historic Park - Donations to support Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be made ...
08/20/2026

Support Col. Allensworth State Historic Park - Donations to support Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be made through the California State Parks Foundation by mailing a check or money order made out to the California State Parks Foundation with "For Col. Allensworth SHP Fund" in the memo line, then mail your donation to:

California State Parks Foundation
Donation Processing Center
PO Box 60169
City of Industry, CA 91716-0169

The California State Parks Foundation is a California State Parks Proud Partner and has supported Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park since the park's dedication in 1976. For more information or to donate online visit the California State Parks Foundation website at https://www.calparks.org/allwaystogive .

Address

4011 Grant Drive
Earlimart, CA
93219

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

(661) 849-3433

Website

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