Colonel Allensworth was a fascinating individual whose contributions to our history reverberate to this day. He was born into slavery, escaped to join the union army and fight for the preservation of the Union, and through grit and determination, became the first African American to reach the rank of Colonel.
Following the Civil War, he continued to defy the odds and lay the foundation for the building of Black communities throughout the country, the first being the town of Allensworth.
The significance of Allensworth is tremendous. The town created a semblance of fairness and equality for a people that would not receive full recognition for at least another 60 years. It is important for people to understand and learn from Allensworth that truly remarkable, almost unthinkable, achievements can be made when you have a dream beyond the limitations that are placed on you.