BARRY, Ill. (AP) — A historic landmark in Illinois could someday become a national park.
U.S. Sen. Roland Burris has proposed legislation for a study on a west-central Illinois site that was the first town planned and founded by an African-American.
Francis McWorter founded New Philadelphia in 1836. He was born a slave but purchased his freedom in 1819 before moving to Illinois.
At peak, the community had 160 residents, but it collapsed in the mid-1880s and is now an open field. McWorter died in 1854 at the age of 77.
Burris proposes that the site be evaluated for a national park, including future sustainability and feasibility. New Philadelphia was designated a National Historic Landmark last year.
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On the Web:
New Philadelphia: http://www.newphiladelphiail.org
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