New Philadelphia
New Philadelphia, located in central Hadley Township,
was the first ever town in America started by an African-American.
"Free Frank" McWorter was a slave in Virginia who
made saltpeter. He saved $800 and paid for his own
freedom. He also paid for the freedom of his wife
and four of his thirteen children. "Free Frank" came
to Pike County and laid out New Philadelphia in 1836.
He sold 144 lots to raise money to buy the freedom
of the rest of his family. Thirty-three people lived
in New Philadelphia, and the town lasted until 1885,
when the railroad passed by further south of the town.
