History of Ripley, Ohio, USA

Ripley's history began in 1812 when the village was founded by Colonel James Poage.

http://www.ripleyohio.net/htm/rh.htm

The name of the village was changed to Ripley in 1816 honoring General Eleazar Wheelock Ripley, an American commander in the War of 1812.
Pioneer settlers of Ripley were predominately of Scotch and Irish descent.
http://www.ripleyohio.net/htm/rh.htm

In the 1840-1850's a large influx of German immigrants settled in Ripley as the landscape reminded them of their German homeland.

http://www.ripleyohio.net/htm/rh.htm

1854 - Ripley
Ripley, a flourishing post-village of Union township, Brown county. Ohio, is beautifully situated on the Ohio river, 66 miles above Cincinnati. It is the largest town in the county, and is the centre of an active trade. It is built on a narrow strip of land which is confined between the river and a steep declivity. A plank-road has been laid from this town to Locust Grove. Ripley contains 6 churches, 1 printing office, 1 female semi nary, and a high-school for both sexes, styled Ripley College: also, 1 foundry a few mills and 1 bank. Settled in 1812, and originally called Staunton. Population in 1850, 1780.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

The town of Ripley was an early stop on the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape the South by crossing the Ohio River into the North.
In her pursuit of freedom, Margaret Garner risked her life while crossing the frozen river to reach Ripley. The character of Eliza in the Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was inspired by Garner.
http://cincinnatirefined.com/travel/a-walk-back-in-time-ripley-ohio

1895 - Ripley
Ripley, a post-village in Union township, Brown co., O., is beautifully situated on the Ohio River, 5.4 miles above Cincinnati, and about 10 miles below Maysville, Ky. It is the most populous town in the county. Its site is a narrow portion of land enclosed between the river and a steep bluff. It contains 7 churches, 2 national banks, 1 other bank, 2 newspaper offices, a union school, a foundry, and manufactures of pianos, tobacco, and sash and blinds. Pop. 2546.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1915 - Ripley - Late in 1915 the Union Township Public Library opened for business.

http://www.ripleyohio.net/htm/library.htm

1937 - Ohio River flooded Ripley

http://www.ripleyohio.net/htm/flood.htm

There are several places to go and things to do in and around Ripley. Here's a list:
John P. Parker House: Start your journey through Ripley's rich history at the John P. Parker House. This historic site was once the home of John Parker, a former slave who became a prominent conductor on the Underground Railroad. The house offers guided tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into the life of Parker and his role in helping enslaved individuals escape to freedom.

Rankin House: Another significant stop on the Underground Railroad is the Rankin House. Located just a short drive from Ripley in nearby Georgetown, this historic house was owned by Presbyterian minister John Rankin, who helped hundreds of enslaved people escape to freedom. Take a guided tour to learn about Rankin's abolitionist activities and the secret tunnels used by escaping slaves.

Ripley Museum: To explore more of Ripley's history, visit the Ripley Museum. It houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the town's past, from its early days to its involvement in the Underground... Read MORE...