Haunting Steps to Freedom: Rankin House

A humble dwelling rests upon a solitary grassy hill, gracefully overlooking the meandering Ohio River in Ripley, Ohio. This house, unassuming in size and stature, is a simple square brick structure that features plain, unadorned windows and wooden doors, both front and back, that appear weathered by time. The steep, forested hillside that ascends from the bustling town below is lined with a series of uneven wooden and stone steps, which are now cloaked in a tapestry of lush grasses and small, emerging tree saplings. On either side of this ancient walkway stand impressive walls constructed of gray stone, rising about three feet in height, leaning slightly askew as if weary from the passage of time.

The steep incline of the stone pathway is so daunting that merely gazing upon it evokes a desire to pause and recover one’s breath. To the casual observer, this ascent may seem insignificant; however, its historical significance is profound. Countless individuals traversed these very steps during the inky darkness of night—strangers driven by desperation, seeking refuge as they fled for their lives. These brave souls were enslaved persons escaping from the oppressive South, and it was the Presbyterian minister John Rankin who built this home to aid in their perilous journeys toward freedom. A flickering light in a window served as a beacon, signaling to the escapees that it was safe to approach.

Upon entering the residence, the Rankin family would hastily conceal the fugitives within the confines of an attic or within a cellar located beneath the barn, ensuring their safety from pursuit. Though Ohio was a designated free state, the harsh realities of federal law mandated that fugitive slaves be apprehended and returned to their owners, adding a layer of danger to their escape.

Visitors who tread along the worn path of these historic steps often report an uncanny sense of connection to the past. As they follow in the footsteps of countless escaped slaves, they perceive the frantic sound of hurried footsteps echoing behind them. When they turn to investigate the source of this eerie sound, they find themselves alone, enveloped in the silence of history.

Parking/Trailhead

John Rankin House
6152 Rankin Hill Road
Ripley, OH 45167
(38.751049, -83.842605)

Find out more about the John Rankin House

Hikers follow the Underground Railroad Freedom Path that
escaping slaves took to the house of abolitionist John Rankin
on a high bluff overlooking the Ohio River, where some ghosts
return to relive their flight. From the parking area, follow the
stone/grass path around the John Rankin House to the wooden
steps, down the steep hillside to the stone path ending at North
4th Street in Ripley.

Underground Railroad Freedom Path