Colonel Allen Allensworth, a retired clergy man from the all-black 24th Infantry Regiment, along with William Alexander Payne and three other black settlers established the town to be the first in California to be "founded, financed, and governed by blacks." Allensworth's reputation drew many from all over the country to the town, causing some to buy property sight-unseen in order to support the efforts. In the early 20th century, the area boasted a great boom and hosted California's first African American school district by 1910. With the death of Colonel Allensworth in 1914, the town experienced extreme losses, coupled with severe drought and decreased crop yields. Many residents left the area following World War I, and the town of Allensworth was scheduled for demolition in 1966 when arsenic was found in the water supply. The town was memorialized as a state park in 1974, and hosts events annually to preserve its history.

more info: Allensworth, California