News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) introduced H.R. 8224, legislation to establish the New Philadelphia National Historical Park in the State of Illinois as a unit of the National Park System. New Philadelphia, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Landmark, was the first town platted and legally registered by an African American, Frank McWorter. McWorter founded the town, which is now part of Barry, Illinois in Pike County, in 1836.

“New Philadelphia and Frank McWorter’s story is an important part of our Illinois and our nation’s history that is not often told,” said Rep. LaHood.“Since joining Congress, I have been proud to work with my colleagues in Congress, the Pike County community, and the New Philadelphia Association to properly preserve and recognized this historical site. I believe that this site deserves to be a National Historic Park, and I am proud to introduce legislation to designate it as such.”

“The New Philadelphia Association is extremely pleased that Congressman Darin LaHood has introduced the bill to include the historic townsite of New Philadelphia as a unit of the National Park System. Preserving and telling the story of New Philadelphia and its founder Frank McWorter is a part of American history that has not been told. The including of the townsite as part of the National Park System will preserve and bring this important part of our national history to people now and in the future. We are very pleased at this time of social unrest that Congressman LaHood and other leaders recognize the need to preserve and tell this remarkable story,” added Philip E. Bradshaw, President of the New Philadelphia Association. 

In 2016, Congressman LaHood toured the site and visited with the New Philadelphia Association. You can learn more about the New Philadelphia site here.