Born into slavery, Frank McWorter would become "Free" Frank McWorter when he purchased his freedom in 1819. While living with his family in Kentucky in the 1820s, McWorter decided to move to a free state as soon as possible, and he left for Illinois in 1830. In 1831, he arrived at his new plot of land about twenty miles east of the Mississippi River. In 1836, the founded New Philadelphia, and it was the first town platted and registered by an African American before the Civil War. This particular website is part of the Teaching With Historic Places Lesson Plans series created by the National Park Service, and it is concerned with telling the story of New Philadelphia. On the site, visitors can look over historical documents such as maps, deeds, and other items that tell the story of the community. Educators will also appreciate the instructional materials offered here that will help them craft an interesting lesson for students. Additionally, the site also contains links to additional lesson plans and a primer on how to use these materials.