New Philadelphia National Historic Site
To a casual observer, New Philadelphia looked like a typical Illinois pioneer town.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About New Philadelphia National Historic Site
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.
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Driving times from New Philadelphia National Historic Site, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Operating Hours
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
Temperatures 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 occasional blizzard conditions are possible in the winter. Please dress appropriately for potential weather conditions and plan ahead.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at New Philadelphia National Historic Site?
- Popular activities include Guided Tours.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of New Philadelphia National Historic Site?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument (1 h 34 min), Lincoln Home National Historic Site (1 h 34 min), Gateway Arch National Park (2 h 20 min), Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site (2 h 20 min), Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park (3 h 4 min), Herbert Hoover National Historic Site (3 h 13 min).