The History of Allensworth
1908: Lt. Col. Allen Allensworth settles in Solito, Calif. (later renamed Allensworth) and establishes a community for former slaves and their descendants. The farm town begins to prosper, attracting blacks from all over the United States.
1911-12: The town’s population swells to 300 families.
Between 1911-1914: Pacific Farming Co. steps in and takes control of the town’s water rights. The town sues and fends off the takeover.
1914: The Santa Fe Railroad builds a stop in a neighboring town, diverting lucrative business from Allensworth.
1914: Allensworth dies after being struck by a motorcycle in Los Angeles.
1920s-1940s: Residents begin to move out because water supply is dwindling.
1940s-1960s: Residents develop new ways of farming, but the town never regains its once-regal status.
1966: State officials discover abnormally high levels of arsenic in town drinking water. Residents once again begin moving out. Black historians begin years-long effort to preserve the town.
1976: Allensworth becomes a state park.
1980s: Restoration of town buildings begins.
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