Ripley in Jackson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Brother Harry Ripley

Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 14, 2008

1. Brother Harry Ripley Bench

Inscription. Brother Harry Ripley was a circuit-riding minister for the Methodist church. According to legend, he had planned to wed a local girl and build the first church in the community. Tragedy struck, however, when he drowned in Mill Creek with their marriage certificate in his coat pocket. Local leaders opted to change the community’s name from Jackson Court House to Ripley when the town received its charter from the Virginia assembly on Dec 19, 1832.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1867.

Location. 38° 49.188′ N, 81° 42.729′ W. Marker is in Ripley, West Virginia, in Jackson County. It is at the intersection of Court Street North and North Street West, on the left when traveling north on Court Street North. It is at the courthouse, to the right of the front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ripley WV 25271, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Mid-Ohio Valley. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Ohio River Valley,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pfost-Greene Murders / Last Public Execution (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Partisan Raid (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Ripley (within shouting distance of this marker);

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

a different marker also named Ripley (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); George Washington Bi-centennial Memorial Tree (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jackson County Veterans Memorial Park (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ripley.

Other markers no longer nearby. Ripley (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Ripley (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Brother Harry Ripley Bench at Courthouse Square image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 14, 2008

2. Brother Harry Ripley Bench at Courthouse Square

Nearby George Washington Bi-Centenial Memorial Tree Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 14, 2008

3. Nearby George Washington Bi-Centenial Memorial Tree Marker

"Planted April 16, 1932 by Federated Women's Club of Ripley. Registered [at] The American Forests Association, Washington, D.C."

George Washington Bi-Centennial Memorial Tree image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, July 14, 2008

4. George Washington Bi-Centennial Memorial Tree

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,150 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3, 4. submitted on September 13, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.