Free Frank McWorter Grave Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Free Frank McWorter Grave Site
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pike County, Illinois |
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| Nearest city | Barry |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1854 |
| NRHP reference No. | 87002533 |
| Added to NRHP | April 19, 1988 |
The Free Frank McWorter Grave Site is a special place near Barry, Illinois, in Pike County, Illinois. It is where a remarkable man named Frank McWorter was buried. He was born into slavery in South Carolina. Later, he bought his own freedom and the freedom of 14 other family members in Kentucky.
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Who Was Free Frank McWorter?
Frank McWorter was an amazing person. He worked hard to earn money while still enslaved. He used this money to buy his own freedom. This was a very difficult and rare thing to do at that time. After gaining his freedom, he continued to work to free his family members. He managed to buy the freedom of 14 relatives.
Founding a New Town
In 1836, Frank McWorter did something truly historic. He became the first African American to plan and officially register a town. This was before the American Civil War. The town he founded was called New Philadelphia, Illinois.
New Philadelphia was a unique place. It was a community where both Black and white families lived and worked together. This was very unusual for its time. The town helped many people, including those escaping slavery.
The Legacy of New Philadelphia
Over time, the town of New Philadelphia was abandoned. By the early 1900s, people no longer lived there. However, its history and what archaeologists can learn from its remains are very important. Because of its special history, the New Philadelphia Town Site was named a National Historic Landmark in 2009. This means it is a place of great national importance.
Protecting Frank McWorter's Grave Site
Frank McWorter's grave site is also a very important historical spot. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This listing helps protect the site and recognizes its historical value. The grave site is located about 4 miles east of Barry, Illinois, just off U.S. Route 36. It reminds us of Frank McWorter's incredible journey and his lasting impact.
