Ripley

In 1812 Col. James Poage founded and incorporated a town on the north bank of the Ohio River, which he named Staunton after his hometown in Virginia.
In 1816 the name of the village was changed to Ripley in honor of Brigadier General Eleazar Ripley, a veteran of the War of 1812.

Ripley soon earned a reputation as a major Ohio River port and in the early years was second only to Cincinnati in the pork packing business.

For information on Ripley¹s 55 acre historic district and the following historic sites, please call (937) 392-4188 unless another number is listed.

The Bank Hotel, 22 Front St., Ripley, Ohio  45167 Federal architecture, built in 1840. The hotel served as lodging for steamboat and stagecoach passengers during the 19th century. A private residence.

Colonel James Poage House, 124 Front St., Ripley, Ohio  45167 Federal architecture, built 1816. Poage founded Staunton, later renamed Ripley, in 1812. A private residence.

Thomas Collins House, 200 Front St., Ripley, Ohio  45167 Federal architecture, built in 1812. Thomas Collins¹ father, Nathaniel, was the first mayor of Ripley. Thomas and his brothers were ³conductors² on the Underground Railroad. A private residence.

Signal House, 234 North Front St.,Ripley, Ohio  45167
 Italianate architecture, built in 1830. Home of Admiral Joseph Fyffe who served in both the Mexican War and Civil War. A lantern in an attic skylight signaled Rev. John Rankin on Liberty Hill that the waterfront was safe to transport slaves to freedom. The home is now a private residence and bed & breakfast.
(937) 392-1640
E-mail: signalhouse@webtv.net
Internet: www.Thesignalhouse.com

Parker House, 330 North Front St., Ripley, Ohio  45167 Federal architecture, built in 1846. Home of John Parker, a former slave who became a successful inventor and businessman in Ripley before the Civil War.
He was a well-known ³conductor² on the Underground Railroad.
The home has been restored and is currently open on weekends. Dedication is planned for October, 2003. For information, call (937) 392-4188.

Rankin House State Memorial
Home of Rev. John Rankin.
See listing under museums.

Samuel Hemphill House, 402 Main St., Ripley, Ohio  45167 Greek Revival-French Second Empire architecture, built in 1841. This is the first house in a group known as Colonial Row which features four excellent examples of Neo-classical pre-Civil War homes in spacious, well-kept surroundings. A private residence.

Red Oak Presbyterian Church, PO Box 95, 5754 Cemetery Rd., Ripley, Ohio
45167
The church was a station on the Underground Railroad and the cemetery is the burial site of Rosa Washington Riles, known for her portrayal of ³Aunt Jemima² in national advertising for Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix. A collection of Aunt Jemima souvenirs and advertising items is on display.