Press Release: Amtrak San Joaquins to Run Special Discounted Trains to Allensworth State Historic Park for 2024 Rededication, October 12

(September 23, Stockton, CA) – Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding a celebratory Rededication Festival on Saturday, October 12 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Amtrak San Joaquins has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at exclusive half-price “Allensworth fares.”

History buffs, travelers, and those seeking adventure are invited to experience a scenic day trip aboard the Amtrak San Joaquins, arriving directly at the gates of this historic landmark and festival. Attendees are encouraged to book now to secure their seats and to enjoy further savings by combining discounts, as detailed on the Amtrak San Joaquins Deals webpage.

The rededication is one of four major annual events hosted by Friends of Allensworth (FOA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to support, promote, and advance the educational and interpretive activities at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. According to FOA, the rededication is “presented to renew the commitment of the citizens of California to help the Department of Parks and Recreation preserve the history of the ethnically diverse contributions made in the development of the state of California and our nation.”

Over a century ago, Colonel Allen Allensworth and four other settlers paved the way for a discrimination-free destiny when they established Allensworth—a visionary town founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Today, you can witness the legacy of this trailblazing community come alive with captivating re-enactments, storytelling, and tours of the lovingly restored and reconstructed early 20^th-century buildings. Step into the Colonel’s house, walk the halls of the historic schoolhouse and explore the church and library for an inspiring journey through a pivotal moment in history.

“Amtrak San Joaquins has been organizing and coordinating special trains to our rededication events since 2019. We have seen these special trains become more popular with each passing year, this growth underscores our important partnership in reconnecting people with this significant cultural site,” said FOA President, Sasha Biscoe. “Through 2024, we are proud to continue this partnership, offering a unique and convenient travel option that enhances access to our Rededication Festival. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the significant savings available and enjoy the scenic, comfortable ride on Amtrak San Joaquins, making both the journey there and the return trip part of a memorable experience.”

Event activities will include square dancing, self-guided tours of historic buildings, historic games with prizes, storytelling, horse & buggy rides, and arts and crafts. Food and refreshment vendors will also be present. Also, travelers can bring their bikes and chairs aboard Amtrak trains and Thruway buses.

The southbound trains running for the event include trains 702, 710, 712, 714. Northbound trains include 713, 715, 717, and 719. When purchasing train tickets, a discount will automatically be applied where you can then combine this reduced ticket with additional savings regularly available to riders, including:

• Infants under 2 years of age ride for free
• Children 2-12 years old ride half-price every day
• Seniors (62+ years of age) receive 15% off
• Veterans & active military members receive 15% off
• Disabled riders save 15% off
• View deals

Visitors attending the rededication will be able to take Amtrak San Joaquins trains to the Allensworth station. From there, riders will be met by a free shuttle for the short ride to the main property. The Allensworth station is normally a whistle stop on the San Joaquins available to be booked by groups desiring to visit the park.

Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at amtraksanjoaquins.com. For more information on how to book a group trip to Allensworth, please contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at csetness@sjrrc.com.

Learn more by visiting the Allensworth Special Event Webpage or view the event flyer.

About Allensworth State Historic Park

The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield. Boasting a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. There were a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but it is celebrated as a key historical icon. In 1974 California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for visitors to learn and explore the Colonel’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library.

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)
Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com.

Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Amtrak San Joaquins is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Amtrak San Joaquins Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.

###