Near Barry in Pike County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
New Philadelphia Townsite
Photographed by Emily Pursley, March 24, 2019
1. New Philadelphia Townsite Marker
Townsite
has been designated a
National Historic Landmark
Founded in 1836 by Frank McWorter, New Philadelphia is the first known town planned and legally registered by an African American in the United States. McWorter used his earnings to purchase 16 of his family members out of slavery. The site of this frontier community of European Americans and African Americans is a nationally significant archaeological site advancing our understanding of free, rural communities and the abolitionist cause in the Antebellum Era.
National Park Service
United States of the Interior
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Anthropology & Archaeology • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 16, 1836.
Location. 39° 41.88′ N, 90° 57.686′ W. Marker is near Barry, Illinois, in Pike County. It is at the intersection of 2000N and Broad Street (Illinois Highway 106), on the right when traveling east on 2000N. When on Highway 106, turn east on the Baylis blacktop. There is a small brown New Philadelphia sign above the green Baylis
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Illinois River Valley. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Archaeological Conservancy (here, next to this marker); Welcome to New Philadelphia (a few steps from this marker); The Burdick Families of New Philadelphia (a few steps from this marker); Free Frank and Free Lucy McWorter (a few steps from this marker); New Philadelphia Town Site (a few steps from this marker); How Many People Lived in New Philadelphia? (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Free Frank and Free Lucy McWorter (a few steps from this marker); New Philadelphia: The Town, The Community (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barry.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Site of New Philadelphia (was here, next to this marker).
More about this marker. This sign is under the kiosk/pavilion. There are several more signs there for you read about the history of New Philadelphia. There are also guideposts along where the town streets used to be where you can use the New Philadelphia AR app (available free in the appstore) to
Photographed by Emily Pursley, March 24, 2019
2. New Philadelphia Townsite Marker - wide view
Regarding New Philadelphia Townsite. The buildings at the site today are not original to the site but are similar to what was likely there. The cemetery is on private property so do not try to go find it. The house on the southeast end of the site is also private. Please stay near where the guideposts are to avoid trespassing.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 5, 2026
3. New Philadelphia Townsite Markers
The main text marker has been replaced.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2019, by Emily Pursley of Pittsfield, Illinois. This page has been viewed 700 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on June 4, 2019, by Emily Pursley of Pittsfield, Illinois. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 3, 2019, by Emily Pursley of Pittsfield, Illinois. 3. submitted on June 7, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
