Madame Butterfly 0 Posted August 17, 2005 Archeologists Near Quincy Find First U.S. Town Founded By Black Man created: 8/15/2005 5:32:21 PM updated: 8/15/2005 5:33:12 PM BARRY, Ill. (AP) -- A remote western Illinois pasture where archeologists are unearthing the earliest known town incorporated by a black man is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The town of New Philadelphia was founded in 1836 by freed slave Frank McWorter. The federal designation could expand research and lure tourists to the frontier village about 30 miles southeast of Quincy. McWorter, whose grave is near the lost town, sold lots to both blacks and whites, using the proceeds to buy freedom for other members of his family. Paul Shackel is a University of Maryland archaeologist who led efforts to add New Philadelphia to the national register. Shackel says being on the list of historic places could attract new dollars to extend a three-year archaeological dig that concludes next spring. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
