John Rankin House Historic Site

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Ripley, OH
John Rankin House Historic Site

Rankin House was the home of abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor, Rev. John Rankin. He and his family helped over 2000 slaves escape to freedom. Rev.

It contains some family memorabilia and the site offers a spectacular view of the Ohio River. John Rankin and his family moved to Ripley, Ohio, in 1822 where he served as pastor of the local Presbyterian church. A staunch abolitionist, Rankin wrote a series of letters, explaining the evils of slavery to his brother Thomas, a slave owner in Virginia. Rankin's brother eventually freed his slaves and

settled in Ohio. Rankin's letters were published in 1826 as "Letters on American Slavery," one of the earliest American anti-slavery books. Rankin, his wife Jean, and their 13 children helped lead an estimated 2,000 slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad. A light in the window of their hilltop home overlooking the Ohio River into Kentucky provided a beacon to runaways. Rev/ Rankin's commitments to the church and as an Underground Railroad conductor often kept him away from home. On several occasions, it was Jean and the children that protected the home from bounty hunters and escorted runaways to stations in neighboring towns. The John Rankin House Historic Site is administered by the Ohio Historical Society for the State of Ohio. It is locally managed by Ripley Heritage, Inc. The site is open May through October. The site is currently undergoing a restoration, which visitors will learn about during their tour as well as the history of the Rankin Family. The house is a National Historic Landmark.

03/31/2026

The John Rankin House Historic Site will be closed Sunday, April 5 in observance of Easter.

01/02/2026

Happy New Year to our friends and supporters!
This year marks the 78th year the John Rankin House Historic Site has been open to the public and 197 years ago that Rev. Rankin snd his family moved into this hilltop home.
We are grateful for all of you for your support of this historic site. We look forward to another year of sharing the story of this remarkable family and their role in the Underground Railroad movement.
Ripley Heritage Board of Trustees and staff

09/28/2025

Due to an emergency and illness Rankin House will be closed to the public today. We will reopen on Wed., Oct. 1.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

08/21/2025

08/20/2025

We were happy to welcome Gov. Mike DeWine and his family for a return visit to Ripley’s John Rankin House Historic Site last week.

07/04/2025

Once again, the grounds of the John Rankin House Historic Site will be open to the public for viewing Ripley’s fireworks display. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the best view for miles around. Ripley’s fireworks display, compliments of our local Lions Club, will be held Saturday, July 5. The Lions Club Fourth of July festival will be held down by the river on Friday and Saturday. Their food is delicious!

06/26/2025

Look what’s new! Our gift shop now carries the new Arcadia book that’s full of pictures and info about our region and includes Brown and Adams Counties in Ohio. We also have a new supply of the Greg Haitz book all about Brown County.

04/14/2025

The John Rankin House Historic Site will be closed Easter Sunday.

04/05/2025

Our doors are open today, rain or shine!
Come join us at the Rankin House visitor center as Carrie Taylor presents her program on plants and herbs and their uses past and present. The program begins at 10 am.
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Address

6152 Rankin Hill Rd
Ripley, OH
45167

Telephone

+18007522705

Website

http://www.ohiohistory.org/museums-and-historic-sites/museum--historic-sites-by-name/rankin-househttp://

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