Proposal to make historic site national park

[Blue_Tires]

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.

http://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/national-25943-park-site.html