Illinois Hides A Once-Thriving Historic Town, Forgotten By Time And Protected By The National Park Service
While there isn’t much to see, like Gettysburg, some places are worth visiting. One of America’s most visited destinations. Similarly, there is an open field in Illinois that is a town, not a battlefield. New Philadelphia, now abandoned, was the first city in America founded by Frank McWorter, a free African American. New Philadelphia was also notable because from its founding, long before the Emancipation Proclamation, the town welcomed people of all races. After a peak of around 100 people, only a few families remained over the years. School II. There was only one family in New Philadelphia in the 1950s when it closed after World War II. The town was abandoned, but its grandchildren, historians and archaeologists did not forget it. Through their petition, New Philadelphia joined the National Park Service at the end of 2022, becoming New Philadelphia National Historic Site.
Today, visitors will see historic cabins and a home managed by the National Park Service but not open to the public. Because the area is largely empty space and some structures are off-limits to the public, the National Park Service created signage explaining New Philadelphia’s significance. To further attract people’s attention, visitors can scan QR codes on the site that show what life was like here in the mid-1800s. It’s also possible to download an app and scan QR codes while on the site, which layers animations over the scenery. This augmented reality helps bring this historic site to life.
Read more: These Are Michigan’s 5 Deepest Lakes Outside the Great Lakes
History of New Philadelphia, Illinois
Sign at New Philadelphia National Historic Site – EWY Media/Shutterstock
Frank McWorter was born in South Carolina in 1777 and moved to Kentucky with his enslaver in 1795. In 1835, he purchased 80 acres of land for $100 and divided the land into 144 lots, establishing New Philadelphia in 1836. Over time, he purchased his freedom and that of 15 family members; He earned more than $500,000 by working for people in addition to his enslaver, as well as by selling land and a saltpeter mining operation. In its heyday between 1855 and 1865, New Philadelphia was home to 15 families. Residents were both Black (30%) and White and settled from nearby states as well as New England. The town operated like any other traditional town.he century towns with stagecoach stops and residents who supported the community in roles such as doctors, blacksmiths, merchants, teachers, and carpenters. McWorter helped others on their journeys to freedom because New Philadelphia was an Underground Railroad stop; McWorter shelters the individuals and his sons accompany the others to Canada. He did not live to see the end of slavery, dying in New Philadelphia in 1854.
Following the end of the Civil War, New Philadelphia’s economic prospects changed due to a railroad built in 1869 that bypassed the town. at 19he In the 19th century, railroads could make or break a town, and the bypass of the Toledo, Peoria and Warsaw Railroad was a factor in its demise. Another reason was competition from larger cities with better job opportunities.
Planning a visit to New Philadelphia, Illinois
National Park Service sign on a building – Kellyvandellen/Getty Images
It was a long journey to get recognition for this historical place. Multiple state universities and the Illinois State Museum worked for more than a decade to gather evidence to support New Philadelphia’s nomination as a place of national significance. Researchers have collected 150,000 artifacts related to the town as well as oral history. The site is also a National Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, DC can learn about New Philadelphia.
There are many accommodation options in Macomb, which is 20 minutes from New Philadelphia and home to Western Illinois University. Most are budget hotels, such as Super 8 and Best Western, that charge less than $100 per night. Hampton Inn gets the highest Google score: 4.3 out of 541 reviews. Take your time while you’re here Play the world’s biggest Monopoly game.
The closest airport to New Philadelphia is General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, just over an hour away. If you’re starting here, spend time in this vibrant city. One of the best places to live in America. A little further away, Springfield is known for its connection to Abraham Lincoln and is also A lively Route 66 stop filled with interesting attractions and historical sites. The state’s capital, Springfield, is 1 hour and 40 minutes from New Philadelphia. If you’re starting your trip from Chicago, Chicago O’Hare International Airport is 3.5 hours away.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter And add us as preferred search source For access to the world’s best kept travel secrets.
