South Columbus in Groveport in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
John Rarey and "Cruiser"
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 14, 2008
1. John Rarey and "Cruiser" Marker
John S. Rarey (1827-1866), born in Groveport, became internationally famous for his revolutionary horse-taming methods based on his strong belief in kindness to animals. The principles of his training system were kindness, patience, and firmness. One of his greater challenges was Cruiser (1852-1875), the wild-tempered stallion owned by Guy Carlton, Earl of Dorchester. After only three hours, Rarey tamed the dark bay horse and was promptly given the animal as a reward by the amazed Englishman. Cruiser was subsequently stabled in Groveport and remains a local legend to this day. Although Rarey carefully specified for the care of Cruiser in his will, the horse, lacking the special touch of his trainer, reverted to his untamed ways.
Erected 1995 by Village of Groveport and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 19-25.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1827.
Location. 39° 51.048′ N, 82° 52.784′ W. Marker is in Groveport, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in South Columbus. It is on Main Street
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Regionally, this marker is in the Scioto Valley and in the Columbus Metropolitan Area. 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 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: Groveport World War II Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Downtown Groveport (about 700 feet away); Ohio Canal in the Heart of Town (about 700 feet away); Town Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Groveport - 1847 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Groveport - Canal Animal Hospital (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Interurban Railway (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Ohio And Erie Canal (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Groveport.
Additional keywords. horse trainers; 🐎
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 14, 2008
2. John Rarey and "Cruiser" Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 14, 2008
3. John Rarey Grave Marker in Groveport Cemetery
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 14, 2008
4. John Rarey Grave Marker in Groveport Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,176 times since then and 41 times this year. Last updated on April 4, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 15, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
