Ripley in Jackson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Ripley
Jackson County Courthouse
— The Blue and Gray Trail —
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 14, 2008
1. Ripley Jackson County Courthouse Marker
Jackson County was created by an act of the Virginia Assembly on March 1, 1831, and named in honor of President Andrew Jackson.
The first courthouse on this site was a brick structure. The land for the courthouse square was donated by Jacob and Ann Starcher. The second courthouse, a cut stone and brick structure, was completed in 1856 and was in use at the time of the Civil War. During the War Between the States, the people of Jackson County were divided in political opinions. Some wanted to remain with Virginia and fight for the Southern cause. Others supported joining the Union as a new and separate state. These different viewpoints led to great civil unrest between neighbors and relatives. The bitter feelings remained many years after the war.
Confederate and Union troops moved back and forth through Jackson County during the war. On September 3, 1863, General Albert Jenkins, while on a Confederate Cavalry raid through central West Virginia, entered Ripley with about 500 men. They took provisions from local businesses and relieved a United States military paymaster of $5,525.00. The next morning they moved on
this page online
In 1915, a statue in memory of the Federal soldiers was erected on the courthouse square. The two bronze cannons displayed on this site are “mountain howitzers.” These cannons were well designed for the mountain terrain of West Virginia. They could easily be disassembled and loaded on pack animals for transport over rough roads.
Erected by West Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1773.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 49.151′ N, 81° 42.716′ W. Marker was in Ripley, West Virginia, in Jackson County. Marker was on Court Street north of Main Street (U.S. 33), on the right when traveling north. It is at the courthouse. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Ripley WV 25271, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Ripley (here, next to this marker); Partisan Raid
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 14, 2008
2. McGrew / Hood Grist Mill and Jackson County Courthouse Markers
More about this marker. Marker contains a map of the Blue and Gray Trail through West Virginia on the top left and three photographs. Below the map at the lower left is a portrait of General Albert G. Jenkins. In the center right is a photograph of the old Jackson County Civil War era Courthouse. On the lower right is a photograph of Civil War veterans at a Ripley July 4th parade in the early 1920’s.
Related marker.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 14, 2008
3. Current Jackson County Courthouse
Note the Union Soldier Monument flanked by the two Mountain Howizers.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 14, 2008
4. Mountain Howitzer to the Right of the Monument
Markings on the muzzle read “C. A. & Co. No. 321. 224 lbs T.J.R. 1863.”
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 14, 2008
5. Mountain Howitzer to the Left of the Monument
Markings on the muzzle read “C. A. & Co. No. 298. 222 lbs T.J.R. 1863.”
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,897 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 13, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
