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Visit Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Over a century has passed since the founding of this unique town dedicated to the dignity of the human spirit. Visit Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park to learn about Colonel Allen Allensworth and the courageous group of families and individuals who believed they could create their own version of the "American Dream".
One of the most important buildings, historically and in the memory of Allensworth pioneers, is the two-room schoolhouse built in 1912. This building was in use until 1972 and is furnished as it would have been on a school day in 1915.
Also important to the education of Allensworth's citizens was the Mary Dickerson Memorial Library, about 200-yards north of the school. This building was originally a one-room schoolhouse built in 1910.
Colonel Allen Allensworth and his wife Josephine's residence is furnished to reflect the 1912 time period. This was a kit home delivered by train to Allensworth and assembled onsite in 1911.
Want to get a feel for Allensworth before you visit? Then check out our "virtual tour" webpage containing photographs of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park's historic, restored, and reconstructed buildings.
Visit our Cooperating Association webpage: Friends of Allensworth
Check out our YouTube Channel
Join us on Facebook
Check out our 360 photos on Google Maps/Streetview
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When the California Colony and Home Promoting Association filed the Allensworth township site plan with the Tulare County Recorder's office on August 3, 1908, it represented both the culmination of years of prior planning and organization and the start of what was to become the present town of Allensworth. By 1910, Allensworth’s success was the focus of many national newspaper articles praising the town and its inhabitants.
The death of Colonel Allensworth in 1914, the cost of bringing water to the community, and the defeat of a vocational school located in the town made it difficult for the residents 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, the California Department of Parks and Recreation purchased land within the historic townsite of Allensworth, and it became Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Today, a collection of historic, restored, and reconstructed early 20th-century buildings—including the Allensworth’s house, Allensworth School, Baptist church, and library—showcase the dreams of these visionary pioneers.
A yearly rededication ceremony, held on the second Saturday in October, reaffirms the hopes and dreams of Allensworth's pioneers.