The town of Allensworth was established in 1908. This weekend over 5,000 people are visiting the first ever African American built and governed town in the state for a centennial celebration.
"You were considered 3/5 of a person and they came to this town and became doctors and lawyers and teachers and they had the best general store in the county and they proved everyone wrong," said state parks director Ruth Coleman.
Director Coleman said the state parks department has spent $9-million on maintaining the history on this land.
Lt.C Allen Allensworth was one of the original founders who united other pioneering African Americans and created this town.
The two day event allows visitors to explore where the founding settlers lived, slept and ate.
Troy Walker from San Diego said: "We came here and found a city where we could prosper and make something of ourselves and prove to the country that we're just as American as anybody else."
More recently the development of dairy farms near this area posed a newer, modern day threat to the preservation of this historic site but negotiations between the land owner and state park officials protected this town. "Cause it's really of national significance and we need to preserve it in its current condition," said Coleman.
Preserved so that students like Vanessa Gatewood from Delano could appreciate her heritage. "Just looking at it now I don't know if I could have done it. Wow!" said Gatewood.
Future plans for Allensworth include a new education welcome center. The building will be built right behind the school and provide visitors with all the information to fully appreciate the history here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
abc30 News Links:
Links to other news sections on our website.
- HomePage
- Top Headlines
- Fresno Local News
- State News
- National/World News
- Entertainment News
- Business News
- Politics News
- Sports News
- Health Watch
- Consumer Watch
- Mr. Food
Breaking News Alerts:
Click Here to Sign-Up for Breaking News E-Mail Alerts
Receive Breaking News alerts in your email inbox.
Click Here to Sign-Up for Text Message Alerts
Receive Breaking News alerts right on your cell phone.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
