# New Philadelphia National Historic Site Act

This bill creates a new national historical park in Illinois dedicated to preserving the story of New Philadelphia, a town founded in 1836 by Frank McWorter, an enslaved man who bought his own freedom and that of 15 family members. New Philadelphia was the first town in America to be planned and legally registered by a free African American before the Civil War, making it a significant but largely forgotten piece of American history. The bill recognizes this site as important enough to become part of the National Park System, similar to other famous historical parks across the country.

The federal government, through the Secretary of the Interior, will take the lead in managing and protecting the New Philadelphia site. This means the National Park Service will work with Illinois state officials, local governments, and private organizations to preserve the land, interpret its history for visitors, and ensure the story of Frank McWorter and his accomplishments isn't lost. The government can acquire land from willing sellers to expand the park and can provide funding and expertise to help restore historic structures and maintain the cultural landscape. Within three years, officials must develop a detailed management plan explaining how the park will operate and be preserved.

An important protection in the bill is that the federal government cannot use eminent domain—the power to seize private property—to acquire land for the park. This means landowners cannot be forced to sell their property; only willing sellers can participate. Additionally, the bill makes clear that the park won't create "buffer zones" that restrict what people can do on nearby private land outside the park boundaries. This protects property owners from having their activities regulated simply because they're near the historical site. Ultimately, this legislation aims to honor an important but overlooked chapter of African American history while respecting the rights of current property owners in the area.

New Philadelphia National Historic Site Act

LaHood, Darin

New Philadelphia National Historical Park Act This bill establishes the New Philadelphia Historical Park in Illinois as a unit of the National Park System to coordinate (1) the preservation, protection, and interpretation efforts of the park by the federal government, Illinois, units of local government, and private and nonprofit organizations; and (2) appropriate management options necessary to ensure the protection, preservation, and interpretation of the many significant aspects of the park. The Department of the Interior may acquire for inclusion in the park any land (including interests in land), buildings, or structures by donation, transfer, exchange, or purchase from a willing seller. Interior shall complete a general management plan for the park. Interior may not use eminent domain or condemnation in carrying out this bill.