Heritage: African American

California State Parks

Rich in African American history, California State Parks offers an escape into California’s history with 47 historical parks. Set against the backdrop of clear lakes, mountainous splendors and vast beaches, California State Parks serve up historical significance while sharing the traditions of all Californians, expanding what state parks are all about.

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is one of the best-known parks with African American ties. Allensworth, an Army chaplain, educator and orator, was born into slavery. Through his desire to succeed, he founded a farming community in the San Joaquin Valley that was owned and governed by African Americans.

Paying homage to many ethnicities is Angel Island State Park. Colonel Allensworth was detailed to Fort McDowell, now part of the park in San Francisco Bay.

Nancy Gooch, a slave who gained freedom, ultimately earned enough money to purchase freedom for her son, Andrew Monroe, and his family. The state of California acquired part of the Monroe land holdings to create the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

As with many African Americans who gained their freedom upon arrival in California, one of the earliest success stories took place at Negro Bar, now located in Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. After the land was purchased by Army Captain Joseph L. Folsom from the heirs of William Alexander Leidesdorff, an Afro-Caribbean landowner, African American miner Samuel Smith found gold on the south bank of the river at Negro Bar in 1849.

In the early days of San Diego, Allen Light and Richard Freeman, both African American businessmen, operated a saloon and provision store. As business partners, they lived together in what is now known as the Light-Freeman House in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

James P. Beckwourth, an African American trapper, discovered what is now known as Beckwourth Pass. The trail from Marysville to Reno, designated as a National Historic Trail, leads to the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area.

Train enthusiasts will marvel at the installation found at the California State Railroad Museum. In the early 1900s, African Americans worked as laborers who laid tracks for the railroad and as Pullman porters. A Pullman car is on display at the museum.

The adobe home of Pío Pico, the last governor of Mexican California, is preserved in the Pío Pico State Historic Park. Pico had African, Spanish, Italian and Native American roots.

Some of California’s finest natural wonders include not only state parks, but also the African Americans who influenced them. California State Parks encircle the state’s natural diversity and showcase many of its historical references for the enjoyment of today’s visitors and future generations.

California State Parks, don’t miss them!