Waaayyy out in rural Tulare County is a former town, which was founded, owned, governed, and entirely populated by African-Americans, around 1910. It’s now a State Park, with about a dozen nicely restored buildings, and a handful of others. Camping is available, too. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=583
Worth a stop, if you’re in the area. It’s just off Highway 99, between Visalia and Bakersfield. I was headed from San Jose to Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, and it was a small detour.
Entry sign, and one of the smaller buildings. (About 20 buildings total)
This tells the story!
Colonel Allensworth was the highest ranking African-American soldier of his time. Unfortunately, the town failed due to being bypassed by the railroad, plus farming difficulties (lack of water and/or pool soil)
Inside the small Visitor’s Center
The Schoolhouse, which is the most prominent building
A peek through the window, There were no docents that day, to let me inside.
About the skool
The Colonel’s house. It was a kit, which arrived by rail, like many homes of the day, including “Craftsmen” homes
A peek inside the house
About the house
One of 2 or 3 stores. Odd architecture, but hard to miss!
The store
Barber shop. Most buildings are wood, This is concrete
A peek inside
About the barbershop
That’s about it! I recommend a weekend, or one of their periodic special events, to get a better feel for the place. On a June weekday, it was just me and a maintenance guy! A nice stop, way out on the country. Plan ahead for food, water and gasoline. There’s none nearby!
AlphaRoaming 