Seniors Visit Historic Village

Senior friends, let’s visit Ripley, a village (I do love villages) in Brown County, Ohio along the Ohio River about 50 miles southeast of Cincinnati. Around 1,800 folks call Ripley home.

 Senior visitors will soon discover that Historic Ripley was put on the map as a place where thousands experienced freedom by way of the underground railroad. Ripley gained a reputation throughout the United States for its strong beliefs in the abolition of slavery.

Prominent citizens were active in the underground railroad movement. Hundreds of local people were active in aiding fugitive slaves from the early 1800s onward. The Ripley Anti-Slavery Society was just one of several groups helping those individuals escape to freedom.

Of historic significance are the John P. Parker House, which sits along Front Street and faces the Ohio River and the Rankin House, which sits atop a hill overlooking the River.

Ripley’s history began in 1812 when the village was founded by Colonel James Poage. A Virginian, Poage obtained the land on the banks of the Ohio River through a 1,000-acre land grant for his service in the Revolutionary War.

Colonel Poage originally named the village Staunton in recognition of his hometown. The name of the village was changed to Ripley in 1816 honoring General Eleazar Wheelock Ripley, an American commander in the War of 1812.

Senior Historians Take In Ripley

Senior visitors will enjoy two outstanding museums in Ripley, The Tobacco Museum and the Ripley Museum. Rooms within the tobacco museum include the HALL OF FAME Room recognizing individuals who have played important roles in the tobacco industry.

The Ripley Museum is located in an 1850′s home featuring 10 rooms with collectibles dating from the late 18th century up to the mid-20th century.

I discovered that Ripley is home to Seven Newman (The Worldwalker) and get this, the first man to walk solo around the world. What a feat. He could write many travel blogs like this one.

One of the best shows in Ohio year in and year out is the Arrowheads and Indian Artifacts of Hard Stone and Slate display that is said to be one of the best anywhere in the county. If you an historian interested in Civil War history, be sure to check out a very rare Wiard 3-inch rifled cannon.

Restored in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, this cannon honors the memory of the Brown County citizens who sacrificed, fought, and died for the Union cause. Ripley gained distinction as being the only town in the United States to have soldier’s organizations fighting from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.

As you meander across the country, stop by Ripley for a visit.  It is full of history, amiable folks, historic sites and some great food.  Enjoy your visit. jeb