Rankin House signal light raising   Save
Ohio History Connection
Description: Photograph showing the raising of the lantern on the flagpole at the John Rankin House in Ripley, Ohio. The Rankin House was a stop on the Underground Railroad operated by John Rankin, a Presbyterian minister. From his home on top of Liberty Hill, Rankin would signal to fugitive slaves when it was safe to cross the Ohio River using the raised lantern pictured here. After crossing the river from Kentucky, those seeking freedom then climbed 100 wooden steps to the house, where they were given shelter and food before continuing their journey to Canada. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SC_92_010
Subjects: Ohio History--Slavery, Anti-Slavery and Civil Rights; Underground Railroad--Ohio; Antislavery movements--Ohio--History--19th century;
Places: Ripley (Ohio); Brown County (Ohio)