Ripley in Brown County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A Changing River
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 10, 2025
1. A Changing River Marker
In the 1800s, during periods of low rainfall or while frozen, some sections of the Ohio River could be crossed without a boat.
Today, the river is about twice the width and much deeper than during the time the Rankin family lived here. Dams built along the river have increased its depth, making it passable for large cargo barges and boats.
Erected by The Ohio History Connection.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 38° 45.02′ N, 83° 50.591′ W. Marker is in Ripley, Ohio, in Brown County. It is on Rankin Hill Road (County Route 556) 1½ miles east of North Second Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6152 Rankin Hill Rd, Ripley OH 45167, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cincinnati and in Southern Ohio Hill Country. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Ohio River Valley, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern 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 Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Abolitionists Network (here, next to this marker); Reverend John Rankin House (within shouting distance of this marker); Witness Tree (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Rankin House (about 300 feet away); The Underground Railroad (about 300 feet away); The Rankin Family
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Rankin House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 10, 2025
2. A Changing River Marker
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 10, 2025
3. A Changing River Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 97 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 22, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
