View of New Philadelphia National Historic Site on a sunny day.
New Philadelphia National Historic Site
National Historic Site · IL
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.
Park report
Current Alerts
How this is rated
Good: no active alerts or closuresNo active alerts
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available1 activities
Park Name
InfoNew Philadelphia National Historic Site
Designation
InfoNational Historic Site
State(s)
InfoIL
Phone
Info217-391-3221
NEPH_Information@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoThe site is open to the public with no scheduled operating hours.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Activity: Guided Tours
InfoAvailable
Theme: African American Heritage
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Archeology
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Colonization and Settlement
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Commerce
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Enslavement
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Social Movements
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Abolition Movement
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Westward Expansion
InfoFeatured at this park
Weather Info
InfoTemperatures at our site can range from 0°F (-18°C) in the winter to 95°F (35°C) or warmer in the summer. Summers can be very humid, with intense sun, rainstorms, thunderstorms possible. Snow and occa
Getting There
InfoNew Philadelphia National Historic Site is in rural western Illinois between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers near Interstate 72. The site can be reached by turning onto 306th Lane from County High
GPS Coordinates
Info39.6980° N, -90.9613° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website