BARRY, ILL. (AP) -- A historic landmark in Illinois could someday become a national park.

U.S. Sen. Roland Burris has proposed legislation for a study on a west-central Illinois site that was the first town planned and founded by an African-American.

Francis McWorter founded New Philadelphia in 1836.

He was born a slave but purchased his freedom in 1819 before moving to Illinois.

At peak, the community had 160 residents, but it collapsed in the mid-1880s and is now an open field.

McWorter died in 1854 at the age of 77.

Burris proposes that the site be evaluated for a national park, including future sustainability and feasibility.

New Philadelphia was designated a National Historic Landmark last year.

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On the Web:

New Philadelphia: www.newphiladelphiail.org

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