Ripley in Brown County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

John P. Parker Memorial Park

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 11, 2019

1. John P. Parker Memorial Park Sign

Inscription. John P. Parker (1827–1900). Born into slavery. Bought his freedom at the age of 18. Underground Railroad Conductor. He helped hundreds of freedom seekers. Mentor to Colonel Charles Young.

There is quiet symbolism built into this 1 acre green-space park.
• Ornamental Feather Reed Grass ... represents varied and wild terrain through which escaping slaves would have to travel.
• The Winding Walkways ... represent trails that escapees followed on their road to freedom.
• The Trees in the Park ... individual and small groups of trees symbolize slaves traveling together in groups or alone.
• Footprints in Central Walkways ... represent Parker walking in the center of the street to avoid attacks from his enemies.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. In addition, it is included in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom series list.

Location. 38° 44.954′ N, 83° 50.943′ W. Marker is in Ripley, Ohio, in Brown County. Marker is at the intersection of North Front Street and Locust Street on North Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ripley OH 45167, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Residence of General Granville Moody

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(a few steps from this marker); Charles Young in Ripley / Colonel Young's Achievements (within shouting distance of this marker); Rear Admiral Joseph Fyffe (within shouting distance of this marker); John P. Parker (within shouting distance of this marker); John Parker’s Path (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named John P. Parker (within shouting distance of this marker); John P. Parker’s Early Life (within shouting distance of this marker); The John P. Parker Family (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ripley.

John P. Parker House and Memorial Park Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 11, 2019

2. John P. Parker House and Memorial Park Sign

The John P. Parker house is in the distance. The sign reads “National Park Service Network to Freedom Site. John P. Parker House National Historical Landmark & John P. Parker Memorial Park. Owned and operated by John P Parker Historical Society, Inc., 300 N. Front Street, P.O. Box 246, Ripley, Ohio 45167. 937-392-4188.”

View of the park from the sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 11, 2019

3. View of the park from the sign

Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 257 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 19, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.