In 1836 Frank McWorter, a Kentucky slave who bought his freedom, founded the town of New Philadelphia on the west-central Illinois prairie. The town prospered, then declined. In 1869 the new railroad bypassed the town leading many residents to move away. By the 1920s it was completely abandoned. Today, its archaeological remains are part of Illinois farm country like many other American towns that did not survive.
But New Philadelphia is unique. Frank McWorter was black and the town he founded was integrated from the start. By the end of the Civil War it had some 160 residents. There were 144 lots, a school, and a blacksmiths shop. A historical archaeologist at the University of Maryland, author Paul Shackel has conducted three field seasons at the site. In this captivating study Shackel tells the story of McWorter, the town, the archaeology, and the efforts to preserve and interpret it. In 1996, local residents founded a non-profit organization to interpret the site. In 2010, The Archaeological Conservancy bought the core of the town to permanently preserve it.
There are plans for New Philadelphia, and Shackel’s history lays the groundwork for moving them forward. It is a great American story that will enthrall readers.
