Interactive Map

New Philadelphia, founded in 1836, is believed to be the first town in the United States legally registered and platted by an African American. Frank McWorter, a slave in Kentucky, bought his own freedom and that of immediate family with surplus funds earned from mining niter and processing saltpeter. He subsequently moved to Illinois and purchased the acreage that would become New Philadephia, selling lots to both African Americans and European Americans. With proceeds from those sales and other sources, McWorter eventually bought the freedom of a dozen more family members.

The rural community flourished at first, situated near major crossroads at the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. But New Philadelphia fell into decline when the railroad bypassed it in 1869. Dissolved under an official order of 1885, over time the abandoned town reverted to open fields. 

Today you can visit the townsite of New Philadelphia.  The site includes interpretation and an augmented reality app that allows visitors to explore New Philadelphia as it looked in the 1830's and 1840s.

The furnished home exemplifies fine living in a long-ago era. It features information about the Third Lincoln-Douglas Debate, held in Jonesboro in 1858. Other historic items and pioneer families are also featured. Costumed guides will escort visitors through the home, and special programs will occur through-out the week-end. Please check the Facebook page for up-to-date information.  Call 618-697-1870 or 618-833-3228 for tours or events.

Opened in 1864, Spring Hill Cemetery is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in Vermilion County. Gravesites related to Abraham Lincoln abound including those of Miriah Vance, his maid in Springfield, IL; General John Charles Black, Civil War Medal of Honor recipient; Colonel Oscar Harmon, friend of Lincoln and commander of the 125th Illinois Volunteer Infantry; Oliver Davis, judge, lawyer, and friend; and Dr. William Fithian, friend and client to name a few.

Open dawn to dusk.  An interpretive guide to the cemetery can be picked up at the office open Monday-Friday from 9 am to Noon and 1-3 PM.

Many visit this cemetery to see the burial site of Abraham Lincoln’s father and stepmother, Thomas Lincoln and Sarah Bush Lincoln.

Built circa 1838

The hotel was built by William Watson one of the first settler’s in Pittsfield. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas would gather in the lobby when they were in town. Later Watson would sell the hotel to Joel Pennington whose son Goyn became friends with John G. Nicolay. The hotel was a very active place. Rooms above with retail space below. By the late 1800s one could find lodging, a barber shop, blacksmith and tack shops.

Lincoln's history doesn't stop at Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln also later became a popular stop along the historic Route 66, beginning in its infancey in 1926. 
In 2007, the World's Largest Covered Wagon was added along Route 66 and is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. 

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (excluding holidays)

Get your Passport to Your National Parks book stamped at the Christian County Courthouse in downtown Taylorville.  

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Homer Lake Interpretive Center, located at Homer Lake Forest Preserve, features a variety of interactive exhibits, displays, live animals and a wildlife viewing area. The forest preserve offers fishing, boating, and a Nature Playscape as well. The Interpretive Center can stamp your National Parks passport too!