LaHood’s bill designating Ill. park part of National Park System passes House

Legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) to establish an historical park in Pike County, Ill., as a unit of the National Park System received unanimous approval on Monday from the U.S. House of Representatives.

The New Philadelphia National Historical Park Act, H.R. 820, which Rep. LaHood introduced in February 2021, would establish the park as a unit of the National Park System, which would coordinate the preservation, protection, and interpretation efforts by the federal government, Illinois, units of local government, and private and nonprofit organizations; and appropriate management options necessary to ensure the many significant aspects of the park, according to the congressional record bill summary.

The park, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Landmark, was the first town platted and legally registered by an African American, Free Frank McWorter, who in 1836 founded the town that is now part of Barry, Ill.

“Since being elected, I have been proud to work with my colleagues in Congress, the Pike County community, and the New Philadelphia Association to properly preserve and recognize the New Philadelphia site,” Rep. LaHood said. “Frank McWorter’s story is an important part of Illinois and our nation’s history, and the Pike County site deserves historical recognition.”

House passage of H.R. 820, the congressman said, “is an important step in this recognition.”

Additionally, H.R. 820 would permit the U.S. Department of the Interior to 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, and complete a general management plan for the park, the summary says, noting that the department may not use eminent domain or condemnation in carrying out this bill.

The New Philadelphia Association endorsed the measure, which now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. “I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation,” Rep. LaHood said on Sept. 19.