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Congressional Daily Record
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October 9, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. DAVID G. VALADAO
of california
in the house of representatives
Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park on its 50th anniversary and its historic impact on the Central Valley.
born into slavery in Kentucky in 1842. He escaped, served in the
U.S. Navy during the Civil War, and became an ordained Baptist minister. As a minister, he saw the need for African American chaplains in the armed services and was appointed Chaplain of the 24th Army Regiment, one of the Army's renowned Buffalo Soldier Units. By 1906, Colonel Allensworth retired as the highest-ranking Black officer in the U.S. Army.
established the town of Allensworth in Tulare County, the first California community founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Families throughout the country moved to Allenstown seeking the opportunity to own land, build schools, and govern themselves. Within a few years, the town grew into a thriving community with a school district, library, church, farms, and several other flourishing businesses and public buildings.
founding. Due to the devoted work of former Allensworth resident Ed Pope and several other volunteers, then-Governor Reagan authorized the California Department of Parks and Recreation to establish the park in 1974. Just two years later, the department approved the plans, and the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park officially opened to the public, celebrating the preservation of California's only town founded and governed by African Americans. Today, visitors can still explore several preserved buildings and homes, allowing guests to experience the spirit of Allensworth firsthand. The dedicated State Park staff, local volunteers, descendants of original settlers, and community leaders have led the ongoing preservation and revitalization of the park, ensuring that the community can enjoy the park for years to come.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating 50 years of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park and recognizing all who have kept its story alive. I wish them continued success in the years ahead.