Illinois, New Philadelphia National Historic Site Walking Tour Historical Markers
A short loop walking trail cut through the prairie that highlights the historic pre-Civil War settlement founded by formerly enslaved African Americans. The markers highlight the challenges and successes of this defunct but not forgotten town.
A blacksmith's shop operated near the blacktop road until 1915. Many farmers, including Frank McWorter, had some blacksmithing tools and skills, but they also relied on professional smiths to make and repair iron objects for use on the farm and . . . — — Map (db m302354) HM
We have returned to the "front door" of New Philadelphia. David A. Kittle, an Ohio native, operated a store here in 1850. We know that Chester Churchill, the founder of Kinderhook, was licensed to sell goods in New Philadelphia in the 1830s and . . . — — Map (db m302351) HM
Free Frank and Free Lucy came to Illinois in 1830, bringing with them four of their seven children. Their son Solomon and eldest daughters, Juda and Sarah, remained in bondage in Kentucky. Solomon's freedom was purchased in 1835. Free Frank . . . — — Map (db m302307) HM
As you rejoin the outbound path, look across the blacktop to the place where Free Frank McWorter's house stood. Most of what you see to the north of town belonged to the McWorter family well into the 20th century. Born in slavery in South . . . — — Map (db m302410) HM
Beyond Frank McWorter's farm, the railroad runs diagonally across the township. When the railroad was built in 1869 it did not stop in New Philadelphia, but rather in Hadley Station, less than three-quarters of a mile to the northwest. Some . . . — — Map (db m302365) HM
James Washington was born an enslaved person in Lincoln County, Missouri. Before 1890 he brought his family to New Philadelphia to obtain a better education for his four children. He married Mary McWorter and farmed very successfully nearby. His . . . — — Map (db m302415) HM
John Bixler was an early resident. While living in Kentucky in 1824, Bixler freed his slave, Kezia Clark, and her one-year-old daughter, Louisa. Bixler and Clark left Kentucky, settling in Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, before coming to New . . . — — Map (db m302364) HM
These benches are placed here for your peace and reflection by the friends of LeMoyne Washington, a grandson of James Washington. LeMoyne was born nearby and spent his life except for his time attending college at Macomb, in this and the Barry . . . — — Map (db m302457) HM
Martin and George Kimbro bought the old schoolhouse, and researchers speculate they moved it across the road to Block 9, the only property they ever owned. Originally named Martin Van Buren and George Washington, the brothers were born in . . . — — Map (db m302467) HM
Before turning onto Ann Street, take a moment to survey the rolling landscape. Most of the blocks before you were never developed; possibly they were too low and swampy. To the southeast, across the fields and nestled in the woods, is the . . . — — Map (db m302414) HM
You are in the approximate center of Block 8. This was the hub of the community in the mid-19th century. Rev. Luce lived here and kept the post office. The school house that Rev. Luce and Free Frank built served the town until 1874, when a new . . . — — Map (db m302411) HM
These three buildings are not original to New Philadelphia. However, they stood in Pike County in the same era and they have interesting histories. Rescued by the landowner and placed over surviving New Philadelphia foundations, they protect the . . . — — Map (db m302472) HM
Settlement of New Philadelphia accelerated in the late 1840s. One promising new settler was Rev. Christopher Sanborn Luce. Like Spaulding Burdick, Luce was a Yankee shoemaker, but he was also a Free Will Baptist preacher and taught school. Free . . . — — Map (db m302366) HM
You are standing in the oldest part of the town. To the west was the home and workshop of Spaulding Burdick. One of the first residents, he was a shoemaker from Rhode Island, who lived here with his second wife, Ann Hadsell, and their children. . . . — — Map (db m302323) HM
You are facing Main Street and looking south towards Block 13 where Louisa Clark McWorter's house stood. The daughter of Kezia Clark, Louisa married Free Frank McWorter's son Squire in 1843. Louisa and Squire built this house about 1847 and . . . — — Map (db m302413) HM
Visitors are invited to take the self-guided tour with or without a mobile device by following the numbered signs along the path. Those with mobile devices are welcome to download the free app tour New Phil AR for iOS and Android at . . . — — Map (db m302475)
