Location: County: Tulare. Nearest City: Earlimart. See map 3.

Campsites, facilities: There are 15 sites for tents or RVs up to 30 feet long. There is also a 51-site overflow area. Piped water, fire grills, and picnic tables are provided. Rest rooms with hot showers and a visitor center are available. A grocery store is 12 miles away in Delano. Leashed pets are permitted.

Reservations, fees: No reservations; $10 per night, $1 pet fee.

Contact: Phone the park at the California Department of Parks and Recreation, San Joaquin District Office at 1-209-822-2332.

Colonel Allensworth SHP
Star Route 1, Box 148
Earlimart CA 93219

Operating hours, seasons: Call the park for information; open all year round.

Directions: From Fresno, drive south on Highway 99 about 60 miles to Earlimart. Turn right (west) on Avenue 56 and drive eight miles to the Highway 43 turnoff. Turn left on Highway 43 and travel south two miles to the park exit on the right. Drive 100 yards into the park directly ahead.

Weather, clothing: The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.

Trip notes: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is the only California town to be founded, financed and governed by African Americans. The small farming community was founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and a group of others dedicated to improving the economic and social status of African Americans. Uncontrollable circumstances, including a drop in the area's water table, resulted in the town's demise. With continuing restoration and special event the town is coming back to life as a state historic park. A yearly rededication ceremony reaffirms the vision of the pioneers. What you have here is the old town of Allensworth, which has been restored as a historical park dedicated to the African-American pioneers who founded it with Colonel Allen Allensworth, the highest ranking army chaplain of his time. One museum is available at the school here and another at the colonel's house with a 30-minute movie on the history of Allensworth. Visitor Center Tours: The park has a visitor center and tours are available by making arrangements in advance by calling 1-805-849-3433. The visitor center also features a video presentation, "The Spirit of Allensworth", which is available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., any the week. The most important building, historically and in the memory of Allensworth pioneers, is the schoolhouse. It was in use until 1972 and is furnished as it would have been on a school day in 1915. An audio presentation available on site. Audio presentations are also available at Grosse's Drug Store, and the Singleton General Store and Post Office. Also important to the education of Allensworth's citizens was the Mary Dickenson Memorial Library, about 200 yards north of the school. Colonel Allensworth's residence furnished in the 1912 period. It contains items from the colonel's life in the service and the ministry. A small display of farm equipment is a reminder of the Allensworth economic base.

 

 

Where to go Camping

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Miwok Lodge 439