Perseverance and Freedom on the Illinois Frontier

To a casual observer, New Philadelphia looked like a typical Illinois pioneer town. But a closer look revealed a unique and racially diverse community. New Philadelphia was the first US town platted and registered by an African American. A formerly enslaved man, Free Frank McWorter, founded New Philadelphia in 1836 and purchased freedom for himself and 15 family members. Read More

Four interpretive panels mounted under a covered, kiosk overlooking a prairie landscape.
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A mowed path through prairie. There are numbered signs along the trail for a tour.
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Last updated: April 13, 2023

Discover History Across the NPS

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Mailing Address:

National Park Service, Attn: Mike Ward
Regions 3, 4, and 5 Office
601 Riverfront Drive
Omaha, NE 68102

Phone:

(402) 661-1520
National Park Service Regions 3, 4, and 5 Office in Omaha, Nebraska.

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