I imagined what it would have been like, a slave, crossing the Ohio River from Kentucky to Ripley, Ohio. Ahead in the distance, I see the house on a hill. There is a friendly family that helps slaves, but somehow I need to reach it. I have been traveling a long way and though I have crossed into free territory, I am still not safe. The house seems so far away. Will I make it?
There is a steep slope up towards the house and I can still see the light on inside. I am tired from the miles I have run and cold from the river’s crossing. I can do this, I can make it to the top. I am so close and I cannot give up now.
I should be coming up to a wall soon which starts the path up towards the house on the hill. I see it, just a small pile of stones stacked upon each other. I hope this is the place. The woods are blocking my view to the house, but I will give it a try.
I notice that the steep walkway is worn so this must be the way. As long as I am going up, I will eventually make it there.
I take a quick look behind me and I can see the river just barely between the trees. This is a great sign so I will keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually I will make it to the top.
The view from here is amazing but I must stay focused. The light remains on and I am almost to the front door. Freedom couldn’t be close enough.
Just within steps and I start to wonder if anyone is home. The light is not visible, but it was on just a few moments ago. I have reached the last step and just as I am about to give it a knock a woman greets me at the door with a blanket and some food. I feel safe. I begin to cry with relief and happiness. They take me in and bring me warm clothes as I sit by the fire. This is the first day of the rest of my life.
Have you had the opportunity to visit the John Rankin House? I would love to hear what you thought about your visit and if you can recommend any additional Underground Railroad locations throughout Ohio! Many thanks for exploring the hike up to Rankin House and wishing you many Happy Travels!!
What to Do and What to See:
John Rankin House
6152 Rankin Hill Rd.
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 4044
- Admission Fee: Adults: $6, Children and Students age K through 12: $3, OHC Member: Free, Children 5 and under: Free, Golden Buckeye Card Holders: $5
- Hours: The John Rankin House is open from May to October from 10AM to 5PM from Wednesday to Saturday and 12PM to 5PM on Sundays. The museum us also open for the Historic House Tour.
- Amenities: Available by appointment outside regular museum hours.
- Scenic View: Views from the home overlook the Ohio River.
- Length of Visit: 1 hour
- Tips for Your Visit: Visitors can schedule private tours and photos can be taken on the inside of the house. Public tours take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Where to Stay:
The Signal House Bed and Breakfast
234 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 1640
Where to Eat:
Cohearts Riverhouse
18 North Front Street
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 4819
American Cuisine with a fabulous view of the Ohio River!
Ripley Gourmet Tortillas
6 Main Street
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 4000
People rave over their guacamole!
Fifties Diner
15 South 2nd Street
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 9328
Cute little diner with American food located along the river!
Where to Drink:
Meranda-Nixon Winery
6517 Laycock Road
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 248 891 0935
What to Read:
- The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead
- Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom, by Catherine Clinton
- Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe