Black History Moment - Allensworth California

 

Allensworth California was the first and only city in California entirely "founded, financed, built, and governed by African Americans."  (Fresno Bee, 2/7/2020)  Allensworth State Historic Park now preserves the history of this town where people from all over the country came to escape the Jim Crow laws of the south. Allensworth was founded by Colonel Allen Allensworth, a former slave, who eventually made Allensworth thrive.  The community of Allensworth was founded in 1908 and eventually boasted over 300 residents who enjoyed social events, church meetings, musical performances, and a thriving civic life.  Eventually, Allensworth declined with them moving of a train station, water diversion, and the death of the founder of the town.  Allensworth State Historic Park stands as a reminder of Black History in the San Joaquin Valley.