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Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
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Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park © Bobak Ha'Eri / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, Allensworth, California, USA.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park © Bobak Ha'Eri / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dodson House and Restaurant Blacksmith Area right, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, Allensworth, California, USA.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park © Bobak Ha'Eri / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Allensworth Elementary School, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, Allensworth, California, USA.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park © Emerson7 / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park © Hikki Nagasaki / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The east entrance to the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, near the Amtrak Station
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park © "E. Crod, Louisville, Kentucky" - Google does not bring results as to what the full name of the photographer is. / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
January 15, 1889 photograph of Allen Allensworth, chaplain and founder of Allensworth, California. The photograph was taken in Fort Bayard, New Mexico.
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COLONEL ALLENSWORTH STATE HISTORIC PARK
COLONEL ALLENSWORTH STATE HISTORIC PARK
Star Route 1, Box 148
Earlimart, California   93219

Phone: 661-849-3433
Reservations: 661-849-3433
The Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is located and serves as a tribute to the only town in the state that was fully financed, governed, built and populated by African Americans. The park commemorates Lieutenant Colonel Allen Allensworth who founded this community with four other settlers in 1908 aiming for self-sufficiency. Visitors can explore several restored buildings including houses, schoolhouse, Baptist church and businesses which provide an insight into rural life during early 20th century America while also highlighting black history of entrepreneurship against racial adversity.

History of the Area
Established in 1908, the town of Allensworth was founded by Colonel Allen Allensworth and four other settlers with a vision to create an independent, self-sustaining African American community. It is located in Tulare County, California.

Colonel Allen Allensworth had been born into slavery but escaped during the Civil War and became a Union soldier. He later rose through military ranks to become one of America's first black colonels.

The idea behind this settlement was not just about economic independence; it also aimed at improving educational opportunities for African Americans who were often denied these rights elsewhere due to racial segregation laws prevalent at that time.

However, several factors led to its decline: water problems caused by lowering groundwater levels made farming difficult; then came The Great Depression which further worsened their financial situation. By mid-1960s almost all residents had left the area leaving only deserted buildings as reminders of what once stood there - dreams unfulfilled yet inspiring nonetheless!

In 1974 however things took a turn when State Department decided preserving this site would serve as important reminder of our nation's diverse history so they declared it state historic park.
Today visitors can explore restored structures like schoolhouse or church while learning more about life back then from interpretive exhibits available on-site making sure legacy continues living on!
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
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Location
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is located near Corcoran, Delano and Earlimart

Picnicking
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in California offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a picnic amidst its historic surroundings. The park has several designated areas with tables and benches where families or groups can set up their meals, some of which are shaded for comfort during sunny days. Visitors should bring their own food as there aren't any restaurants within the park itself but they may use available BBQ grills at certain spots. It's an ideal location for those who want to combine outdoor dining with learning about African American history in California since this is what Colonel Allensworth Park primarily showcases through various exhibits and preserved buildings.

Bicycling
While exploring the historical surroundings in this Northern California location, visitors should be aware that bicycling options are somewhat limited. The park's terrain is primarily flat and paved roads make it suitable for leisurely biking; however, there aren't any designated bike trails or paths within its boundaries.

It's important to note that while cycling around the area can provide a unique perspective of the preserved buildings and landscapes, riders must exercise caution as they share these routes with pedestrians and motor vehicles. Bicyclists need to adhere strictly to all safety rules including wearing helmets at all times especially children under 18 years old which is required by law.

Additionally, cyclists should remember not only respect but also protect historic structures - riding bikes on sidewalks or against building walls isn't permitted due to potential damage risks posed towards them.

Lastly please bear in mind no bicycle rentals services exist inside so you would have bring your own equipment if planning such activity during visitation.
Trails
1. The Allensworth Interpretive Trail: A self-guided, 0.5-mile trail featuring historical buildings and exhibits about Colonel Allen Allensworth's life.

2. Historic Homes Walk: This short walk takes visitors through the restored homes of early residents in this historic African American community.

3. Schoolhouse Pathway: An easy stroll to a preserved school building where children from the town once studied; distance not specified but relatively short.

4. Church Lane Walking Route: Leads directly to Mary Dickinson Memorial Library and Baptist church, showcasing religious history within the park; length unknown but brief walking time suggested by guides.

5.The Farming History Loop - Highlights agricultural practices during Col.Allen's era with interpretative panels along its unspecified route around farming areas inside park boundaries.

6.Park Perimeter Hike - Unmarked path that circles entire boundary of state park allowing for wildlife viewing opportunities; exact mileage is unlisted due to varying routes taken by hikers based on personal preference or seasonal changes affecting landscape accessibility.


Note:
The specific lengths of some trails are not listed as they can vary depending upon individual exploration choices made while visiting different sites throughout this historically significant State Park dedicated primarily towards education rather than traditional outdoor recreational activities typically associated with hiking paths found at other parks across California such as those located in mountainous regions or coastal settings offering extensive networks of clearly marked multi-use trails designed specifically for longer-distance trekking experiences involving more strenuous physical exertion levels compared against leisurely paced walks commonly undertaken here instead focusing mainly on learning about unique cultural heritage aspects related closely toward understanding better overall societal contributions achieved successfully over many years past thanks largely due greatly indeed mostly entirely almost certainly without doubt unquestionably undeniably indisputable incontrovertible irrefutable undeniable factually accurate truthfully honestly sincerely genuinely authentically realistically truly actually really literally exactly precisely accurately correctly rightly properly appropriately suitably fittingly aptly justifiably rightfully deservedly merited warranted justified earned due rightful deserving merit worthy worth value importance significance relevance pertinence applicability relevancy appropriateness suitability fitness aptness propriety correctness rightness justice fairness equity equitableness impartiality objectivity neutrality nonpartisanship dispassion evenhandedness fair-mindedness open-mindedness unbiased judgment unprejudiced viewpoint balanced perspective equitable treatment equal opportunity for all regardless of race, color, religion or creed.

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Directions
1. Starting from Los Angeles: Take I-5 North towards Bakersfield.
2. Continue on I:5 for approximately 130 miles until you reach Exit 278B toward CA-99 N/Sacramento/Fresno.
3. Merge onto CA:99 North and continue driving for about 50 miles.

4a. If coming from Fresno or areas north of it:.
- Stay on CA-99 Southbound until you approach Exit 72A/Alpaugh Road/East Ducor Avenue (approximately a mile after passing Pixley).
- Take exit ramp at Alpaugh Rd/Ducor Ave and turn left onto East Ducor Avenue.
- After around half a mile, make another left turn onto Palmer Drive which will lead directly into Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

4b.If coming from Bakersfield or areas south of it:.
- Remain on CA-99 Northbound past Tulare city limits
- Look out for signs indicating "Allensworth" as an upcoming exit; take that off-ramp when reached (Exit #56)
*Note: The signage may say 'Earlimart' instead of 'Allensworth'.

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