In the quiet town of Ripley, Ohio, high above the banks of the Ohio River, lived many unnamed heroes—ordinary people with extraordinary bravery. Among them were women whose names may never appear in textbooks, but whose acts helped shape a more just world.
They were part of the Underground Railroad—a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Ripley, just across from Kentucky, became a lifeline. By night, lanterns were lit in windows. Footsteps padded quietly through the trees. Rowboats crossed the dark water with trembling passengers and steady hands.
One of those hands may have belonged to a woman like Rhoda, whose face we cannot trace in photographs but whose story lives in every saved soul. These women risked their homes, their lives, and their families to do what was right—not for glory, but for freedom.
Though history may not record each name, it remembers their light. They were the silent lantern-bearers who guided generations forward.
Correcting the Record – Revisiting Ripley’s Underground Railroad Heroes
A Historical Oversight
Recent attention to the Underground Railroad in Ripley, Ohio, has sparked questions about the narratives we’ve accepted. The image of a woman with a lantern, symbolizing courage, evokes the town’s role as a key stop. However, traditional accounts often overlook the unnamed women who, alongside figures like John Rankin and John Parker, risked their lives to guide enslaved people to freedom across the Ohio River.
Challenging the Narrative
While Rankin’s lantern atop Liberty Hill and Parker’s daring river crossings are well-documented, the contributions of women like Rhoda remain shadowy. Historians have focused on male leaders, but evidence suggests women played critical roles—lighting lanterns, providing shelter, and rowing boats under cover of night. This imbalance may reflect a broader tendency to elevate prominent figures over the collective efforts of the community, especially women whose names faded from official records.
Unearthing New Insights
As of 09:30 AM MDT on Sunday, June 22, 2025, research is challenging these gaps. Ripley’s proximity to Kentucky made it a lifeline, with alleys and quiet paths used by escapees, possibly aided by women whose bravery matched the men’s. The lack of detailed records on these heroines suggests lost stories, prompting a reevaluation of who truly shaped this freedom network.
A Call to Remember
This corrected lens invites us to honor the silent lantern-bearers—women whose courage lit the way forward. Their legacy, though underrepresented, remains a beacon for understanding Ripley’s complex history. What other untold stories might reshape our view of this pivotal era?
Stay tuned for more as research continues to illuminate the past!
