John P. Parker House facts for kids
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John P. Parker House
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Viewed from the northwest
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 300 N. Front St., Ripley, Ohio |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | c. 1853 |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002944, 97000340 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 7, 1980 |
| Designated NHL | February 18, 1997 |
The John P. Parker House is a special historic house in Ripley, Ohio. It was the home of John P. Parker (1827–1900). He was a former slave who became an inventor and a brave helper on the Underground Railroad. From 1853 until his death in 1900, Parker lived in this house. He was an abolitionist, meaning he worked to end slavery. He helped hundreds of people escape slavery through the Underground Railroad.
This house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It was later named a National Historic Landmark in 1997. Today, a local group owns and runs the house as a museum. It teaches visitors about John P. Parker's life and the fight against slavery.
Contents
The John P. Parker House
The John P. Parker House is located near the Ohio River in Ripley. It stands a bit apart from other homes in the town. This area was once used for businesses and factories. The house is made of brick and has two stories. It was built around 1853. A smaller wooden part extends from the back of the house.
John P. Parker's Story
John P. Parker was born into slavery. However, his owner, a doctor, taught him to read and write. This education helped Parker buy his freedom. After becoming free, he moved to Ripley, Ohio. Ripley was a very important place for people escaping slavery. It was known for its strong feelings against slavery. Many people there helped those seeking freedom.
Parker started his own business in Ripley. He had a machine shop, a blacksmith shop, and a foundry. A fire in 1889 damaged most of his business buildings. But the house itself remained.
A Safe Place on the Underground Railroad
Ripley was a key stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of safe houses and routes. It helped enslaved people escape from slave states like Kentucky, which was just across the Ohio River. John P. Parker was a well-known "conductor" on this railroad. This meant he guided people to freedom.
Parker often crossed into Kentucky to find people who were escaping. He would then bring them safely back to Ripley. From there, they would continue their journey north. His house was close to the river, but he usually did not hide people inside it. Its quiet location was good for both freedom seekers and those who tried to catch them.
The House Today
After John P. Parker passed away, his wife sold the house. For many years, it was used by a company that shipped coal. In the 1990s, a local non-profit group bought the house. They worked to fix it up and turn it into a museum. Now, the John P. Parker House helps tell the important story of the Underground Railroad. It also shares the brave life of John P. Parker.
Learn More
- John Rankin House (Ripley, Ohio), another important Underground Railroad stop in Ripley
- List of Underground Railroad sites
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Ohio
