A special discounted train to a landmark of Black American history will depart from Sacramento on Saturday, Oct. 10.
The Gold Runner train line is running special service to the town of Allensworth in Tulare County. Known as Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, the park preserves the town’s history as the first California community founded and governed by African Americans.
Oct. 10 is the annual Allensworth Rededication, and, according to a Gold Runner press release, the event honors the anniversary of the park’s original dedication in 1976. For the occasion, the park will host historical reenactments, tours, dancing, and crafts.
Usually, trains do not serve the historic Allensworth stop other than for special occasions or tours. Earlier this year, the Gold Runner also provided special service to Allensworth on Juneteenth.
When will the train to Allensworth leave Sacramento?
The special train to Allensworth will depart from the Sacramento Station on I Street on Oct. 10 at 7:41 a.m. and arrive at Colonel Allensworth State Park at 11:41 a.m.
Gold Runner is offering a discounted rate of $19 one-way for adults and further discounted fares for seniors, children, people with disabilities, as well as veterans and active military. Other discounts can be applied on the Gold Runner website. Tickets can also be purchased online, over the phone, or at ticket counters or kiosks inside Amtrak stations.
“We’re glad to be working with Gold Runner again this year,” said California State Parks interpreter Lori Wear in a statement. “With the cost of driving going up, the train gives families an affordable way to get here, and that matters for a park that belongs to all Californians.”
What is Allensworth State Park?
The town of Allensworth is named for one of its co-founders, Colonel Allen Allensworth. After escaping from slavery in Kentucky, Allensworth joined the Civil War on the Union side, becoming a chaplain and rising to the rank of Colonel.
The town’s prosperity faded within decades of its 1908 founding, due to a local company refusing to supply water and the removal of the train stop to another town. Today, visitors can see the preserved historic schoolhouse, church, and library.
Allensworth is located about 40 miles north of Bakersfield.
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Anne Ewbank is a service journalist and food reporter for The Sacramento Bee. Previously, she worked as a writer and editor for the New York-based travel website Atlas Obscura, where she covered food and culture. A California native, she is a graduate of Occidental College and Yale University.