Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is where the Friends of Allensworth celebrate the achievements of California’s Black pioneers, those responsible for establishing the town of Allensworth. Allensworth’s pioneers established the California Colony and Home Promoting Association and incorporated in June 1908, with their stated purpose being “to create sentiment favorable to intellectual and industrial liberty.”

The Friends of Allensworth pledge to live up to the ideals that are Colonel Allen Allensworth’s. We re-affirm our faith in the community he founded; we reconsecrate ourselves to the task that was his and ours, and rededicate ourselves to the unfinished work and will strive to make this community a glowing monument to his sacred memory and one that shall live throughout the ages.

The cultural meaning of Allensworth at the time of its founding focused squarely on the promotion of individual self-reliance and self-respect among Black citizens of California. Allensworth represented for its inhabitants refuge from the White dominated political structure and an opportunity to gain access to the land which had been denied them for so long.

After Colonel Allensworth’s untimely death under suspicious circumstances, Oscar Overr and William Payne, already leaders in the community, worked for Allensworth’s growth and economic progress. Their strongest efforts were for the establishment of a vocational school for Blacks, to be located just north of town.

In a world view, the significance of the colony as a cultural phenomenon cannot be ignored. In the economic and social context of the United States, Allensworth represents a most remarkable achievement.

We are accepting donations for the installation of California State Historic Landmark, see ways to give.

The next Park Champions volunteer workday is scheduled for October 20, 2012. Sign up at our How to Volunteer page.