A grassy field surrounded by forest under a sunny sky with large white clouds.

New Philadelphia National Historic Site

National Historic Site · Illinois

NPS Photo

📍 StateIllinois
🏛️ TypeNational Historic Site
🎟️ EntryFree
🏃 Activities1
Official NPS Website →
New Philadelphia National Historic Site

Archaeological site in Illinois, United States

The New Philadelphia National Historic Site is the original site of the now-vanished town of New Philadelphia, Illinois, in the United States. It is located near the western Illinois city of Barry, in Pike County.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

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.

Park Photos

A grassy field surrounded by forest under a sunny sky with large white clouds.
Four interpretive panels mounted under a covered, open-sided kiosk overlooking a prairie landscape.
A mowed path through prairie. There are numbered signs along the trail.
Twenty children of mixed ages and genders posing for the camera in front of a schoolhouse.
Historic black and white photo of an African American woman seated looking past the camera.

Activities

Operating Hours

Operating Hours

The site is open to the public with no scheduled operating hours.

montuewedthufrisatsun
All DayAll DayAll DayAll DayAll DayAll DayAll Day

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter New Philadelphia National Historic Site?

New Philadelphia National Historic Site is free to enter.

What are the best activities at New Philadelphia National Historic Site?

Popular activities at New Philadelphia National Historic Site include: Guided Tours.

What is the weather like at New Philadelphia National Historic Site?

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.

How do I get to New Philadelphia National Historic Site?

New Philadelphia National Historic Site is in rural western Illinois between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers near Interstate 72. The site can be reached by turning onto 306th Lane from County Highway 2. An informational kiosk is immediately on the left after turning onto 306th Lane. The small city of Barry lies two miles west and has the nearest services. Hannibal, Missouri, is 27 miles west. Springfield, Illinois, is 76 miles east. St. Louis lies about 115 miles south.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

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.

Directions

New Philadelphia National Historic Site is in rural western Illinois between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers near Interstate 72. The site can be reached by turning onto 306th Lane from County Highway 2. An informational kiosk is immediately on the left after turning onto 306th Lane. The small city of Barry lies two miles west and has the nearest services. Hannibal, Missouri, is 27 miles west. Springfield, Illinois, is 76 miles east. St. Louis lies about 115 miles south.

📍 View on Google Maps →

Location

Coordinates39.6980, -90.9613

Official Resources

NPS Official Website