Colonel Allensworth

Black people have founded numerous towns across the US, both before and after slavery. Many of them, like Black Wall Street[1] were destroyed by white supremacists. However, some are still standing. Near my home is Atlantic Beach, SC, but today, we're talking about Allensworth, CA. Allensworth was the first black town in California and was founded by Colonel Allensworth. Born a slave, Colonel Allensworth rose to the highest ranking black man in the US army during his time. After his retirement he founded Allensworth, which survives to this day.[2]

References

1. Ree Hughes. "Black Owned Cities and Towns". PSALMS to God. February 7, 2015
2. Robert. Mikell. "THE HISTORY OF ALLENSWORTH, CALIFORNIA (1908- )". BlackPast. September 27, 2017
3. "Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park". California Departments of Parks and Recreation. 2020