Allensworth was created
to
provide Afro-Americans an opportunity to develop a town that was free
of
discrimination. Its emphasis was the development of a community that
was governed, financed and operated by Afro-Americans.
Following reconstruction in the late 1800's, many
black/Afro-American
institutions were being created. As many people started to migrate
to the Los Angeles area, they discovered the same vestiges of
discrimination
thought to have been left behind.
Upon retirement from military service, Colonel and Mrs.
Allensworth
resided in Los Angeles (near 30th & Hoover). As discussions to
created a town became serious, thus a group was developed called the California
Colony and Home Promoting Association. The Colonel was named
president and in August 3, 1908 the official filling with Tulare County
took place.
In addition to Colonel Allensworth, other leaders of the
organization
were Professor William Payne, John W. Palmer (miner) , William Peck
(minister
from First A.M.E.) and Harry Mitchell (real estate professional). There
were numerous individuals responsible for the town development as it
became
a thriving and successful place. It dispelled the myth that "colored
citizens" could not develop a successful town, as well as govern
themselves
in a peaceful setting.
Why the Colonel The Colonel was a well-known figure, and not just
among Afro-Americans. The success of any venture is contingent of
having a known spokesperson. Through his reputation, when a call was
made that Allensworth was
being created many people were motivated to join. As a matter of fact,
many people purchased property in Allensworth "sight-unseen" because of
the
faith of the Colonel and the notion of Afro-American freedom. This
is an important fact as many families inherited property from their
ancestors
who purchased property in Allensworth, and who never lived there.
Documentation supports Allensworth was a township. This
is important because at first glimpse Allensworth seems like many rural
developments
with a few home scattered here and there. Keeping the projected growth
of the town in perspective, the founders needed land the accommodate
their
vision. In specific terms, a township is the equivalent of
approximately
20,000+ acres.
A key person responsible for the marketing of
Allensworth
was Oscar Overr, who also held the distinction of owing the most
property. Overr was remarkable as part of his strategy was to showcase
to new
settlers how they could use the land to benefit them financially and
sustain
a living. Farming was a critical business component of Allensworth
so it is not surprising of the building makeup when you visit
Allensworth
State Historic Park today (i.e., train stop, hotel, general store,
bakery,
etc.).
Allensworth literally outgrew itself and as water and
other
resources were needed to continue development of the town, suppliers
grew
reluctant as what started as a "wild dream" was quickly turning into
factual
evidence of what determined people could achieve.
Of historical importance, the Colonel had a very
successful
friendship with Booker T. Washington and as Tuskegee was being
developed
there was much discussion of Allensworth being the Tuskegee of the
West. Also, while there were many successful Afro-Americans who
migrated
to California in the early 1900's, the fact that Allensworth was an
official
and recognized town, attributed to many town people becoming the "first
Afro-American
in California" to hold official positions.
As Allensworth developed, the Colonel's death was
perhaps
the most significant blow to its. Following the inability to obtain
sufficient water, many people left Allensworth in the 20's.
Nevertheless,
there was enough people who remained to keep Allensworth operating.
Transforming
itself into a migration community, Allensworth lived on throughout the
years
- 30's, 40's, 50's, although without the glitter of its historic
founding.
The school house which is part of the State Historic
Park
(CASHP) was operable until 1972. This and other tidbits came out as
history due to the many, and we do mean many, who were not famous, yet
who
lived in Allensworth over the years as regular folk - who shared their
"Allensworth
version" and gave credibility to what we have labeled Allensworth
today,
"The Town that Refuses to Die." editorial note - there are many interpretations
to
the Allensworth creation and development. This version is our
interpretation as
supported by various documentation. Additionally, as you explore
the Allensworth history, migration history, California history,
reconstruction
history, etc. you gain a better frame of why/how Allensworth's place
in history will be eternal. Throughout the United States there
where/are
many Allensworth's, but few to have the organizational structure to be
classified
as mainstream.
some of the factual material mentioned
was
excerpted from Allensworth "An Eduring Dream" pub. 1987 and Colonel
Allensworth State Historic Park General Development Plan pub. 1976
