Archaeological site and open-air heritage landscape commemorating the first town legally founded by a free African American before the Civil War.
General Information
Grounds and ¼-mile walking trail accessible year-round
No indoor facilities or restrooms available
How to Get There
From Springfield, IL (77 mi): Take I-72 W to Exit 31 for IL-106 W toward Barry; continue west on IL-106, then turn south on County Highway 4 and follow signs to the site entrance on 306 Lane.
Overview
The New Philadelphia National Historic Site preserves the legacy of a groundbreaking American settlement founded in 1836 by Free Frank McWorter, a formerly enslaved man who purchased his freedom and that of 15 family members. As the first town legally established by an African American before the Civil War, New Philadelphia became a rare example of a racially integrated community on the Illinois frontier. Though the town eventually declined and disappeared from maps, its story endures through archaeological research and public interpretation.
Today, visitors to the site can walk a ¼-mile trail through the open prairie, guided by interpretive signs and an augmented reality tour that brings the town’s history to life. With no buildings remaining, the landscape itself becomes a canvas for storytelling—revealing the resilience, innovation, and hope that defined New Philadelphia. Managed by the National Park Service in partnership with local organizations, the site offers a quiet but powerful experience that honors a pivotal chapter in the American journey toward freedom and equality.
Things to Do
Visit the First Town Founded by an African American in the United States
New Philadelphia National Historic Site preserves the location of the town founded in 1836 by Frank McWorter, a formerly enslaved man who purchased his freedom and that of several family members before establishing New Philadelphia in western Illinois. The community became one of the first known towns in the United States legally platted and registered by an African American, and it was notable for its racially integrated population before the Civil War.
Learn the Story of Frank McWorter
Visitors can explore the remarkable story of Frank McWorter, whose entrepreneurial success enabled him to buy freedom for himself and numerous family members. Interpretive exhibits and educational programs highlight his legacy and the significant role New Philadelphia played in American history.
Explore an Important Archaeological Landscape
Although few original structures remain, archaeological research has uncovered foundations, artifacts, streets, and evidence of daily life in the community. Visitors can learn how archaeologists have reconstructed the history of the town through ongoing research and preservation efforts.
Walk Through an Early Integrated Frontier Community
Interpretive trails and exhibits help visitors understand the layout of the original town and the experiences of the Black and White residents who lived, worked, and traded together in this frontier settlement during the nineteenth century.
Discover a New Addition to the National Park System
Established as a unit of the National Park System in 2022, New Philadelphia National Historic Site preserves an important chapter in the history of freedom, entrepreneurship, westward expansion, and community development in the United States.
Top Trails
New Philadelphia Interpretive Walking Trail
Length: Approximately 1 mile loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This self-guided trail follows portions of the original town site and includes interpretive panels describing the community, its residents, and archaeological discoveries. Visitors gain insight into the layout and daily life of the historic settlement.
Town Site Discovery Walk
Length: Approximately 0.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This short route explores key areas of the former town and introduces visitors to the history of Frank McWorter and the significance of New Philadelphia in American history.
Prairie Heritage Walk
Length: Variable distances available
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Visitors can enjoy walks through the surrounding prairie landscape while learning about the environment encountered by early settlers and the importance of agriculture to the growth of the community.
Sources
National Park Service official New Philadelphia National Historic Site information, including details on Frank McWorter, the town's founding, archaeological resources, visitor experiences, educational programs, and site history. https://www.nps.gov/neph
Additional information verified through National Park Service resources covering the history of New Philadelphia, archaeological investigations, interpretive trails, and the site's significance as one of the first towns founded by an African American in the United States.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the New Philadelphia National Historic Site, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
