Versailles in Ripley County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Eleazer Wheelock Ripley

Photographed by Tom Bosse, October 14, 2016

1. Eleazer Wheelock Ripley Marker

Inscription. When Ripley County was formed in 1818, its name was inspired by the popular War of 1812 hero Eleazer Wheelock Ripley.

He was born April 15, 1782, in Hanover, New Hampshire. Ripley graduated from Dartmouth College (founded by his namesake grandfather) in 1800. He practiced law in Maine, and served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate.

When the War of 1812 broke out, he joined the U.S. Army and was involved in several battles, including Sackett's Harbor, Crysler's Farm, Lundy's Lane, and the Siege of Ft. Erie. He rose to the rank of Brigadier General, and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

He left the military in the 1820s to continue his career in politics, and moved to Louisiana. Ripley served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 2nd District 1835-1839.

Ripley died March 2, 1839 in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, and is buried in Locust Grove Cemetery in St. Francisville, Louisiana.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • War of 1812. A significant historical date for this entry is April 15, 1782.

Location. 39° 4.317′ N, 85° 15.083′ W. Marker is in Versailles, Indiana, in Ripley County. It is on North Main Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Versailles IN 47042, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Morgan's Raid

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(a few steps from this marker); Ripley County Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); General John Morgan (a few steps from this marker); Birthplace of James H. Tyson (within shouting distance of this marker); Stephen S. Harding (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Masonic Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Ripley County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); John Hunt Morgan's Code of Honor (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Versailles.

Also see . . .
1. Eleazer Wheelock Ripley. (Submitted on November 28, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
2. Eleazar Wheelock Ripley - Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. (Submitted on November 29, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Photographed by Tom Bosse, October 14, 2016

2. Eleazer Wheelock Ripley Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 797 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 28, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.