În 1835, fostul sclav Frank McWorter a cumpărat un teren de 80 acri în Ilinois cu 100 de dolari. Un an mai târziu, bărbatul a înființat New Philadelphia, primul oraș american „ctitorit” de un afro-american

The transfer of 20 acres of New Philadelphia, Illinois, to the National Park Service marks a significant step in preserving African American history. Founded by former slave Frank McWorter in 1835, New Philadelphia was the first legally registered town in the U.S. established by an African American. McWorter aimed to create a community where both Black and white residents could live and work together. Despite its initial success, the town declined after the arrival of a railroad in 1869. In December 2022, it was designated a National Historic Site, highlighting its historical importance. The land transfer ensures future generations can learn about McWorter's achievements and the community he built during challenging times.