Allensworth, California

Allensworth is as far as I know the only community in California that was found, developed, financed and governed by African Americans. The Community was established by Colonel Allensworth and a few friends about halfway between Fresno and Bakersfield in 1908. The purpose was to give African Americans the chance to reach the American dream of a better life. Only African Americans lived here! In 1908 water was plentiful available in the central California valley so that the Community could be established.

Unfortunately, the water level sank in the following years and Cornel Allensworth died in a car accident in 1914. Due to lack of water and leadership the community declined rapidly. Today it is a California State Park.

I decided to use three of my photographs to create a post card. Enjoy!