John Parker House

06/19/2026

Saturday 12-3 in Parker Park

06/02/2026

One winter night along the Ohio River, a young woman stepped onto the ice and changed American history. 🌊❄️

What Harriet Beecher Stowe witnessed — or heard accounts of — near Ripley, Ohio became the most famous scene in Uncle Tom's Cabin: Eliza crossing the frozen Ohio River to freedom, leaping from ice floe to ice floe with her child in her arms. Published in 1852, the novel sold 300,000 copies in its first year and became one of the most powerful anti-slavery documents in American history.

The Ohio River wasn't just a waterway. For thousands of freedom seekers, it was the line between bo***ge and liberty. And Ohio, with its network of safe houses, abolitionist communities, and brave conductors, was waiting on the other side.

Have you ever stood on the banks of the Ohio River and thought about what it meant to cross it? Drop a comment below. 👇

06/02/2026

Built in 1853, the John P. Parker House sits along the Ohio River in Ripley, Ohio. This historic landmark is a tribute to John P. Parker who was born enslaved in 1827 and soon became one of the most daring conductors on the Underground Railroad. Even though John P. Parker endured hardship growing up, he still sacrificed himself for the freedom of others. John P. Parker House is a symbol of resilience, bravery, and the fight for freedom.

Read more here:
https://appalachianfreedom.com/location/john-p-parker-house/

06/02/2026

05/27/2026

11:00 at Rankin House
1:00 at John P Parker House. Join us for the official plaque dedication on Saturday, May 30, 2026. 🙂

The John Rankin House and the John P. Parker House are part of the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative to document and interpret Underground Railroad locations across Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.

05/19/2026

Great tours! Great students! Lots of good questions.

04/11/2026

Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 11:00am-3:00pm. Brigadier General Charles Young's Birthplace Cabin.

12/02/2025

The 101 Forest of Lights Trees are ON! Thank you to all our donors! They will be lit from 5:00pm to midnight. This is our 20th year and the 1st year with a timer (What a great idea! Thank you to Tim Lackey!). Thank you to everyone who made this happen!

09/01/2025

These 2 shade trees will be truly missed by those who enjoyed the park. We will replant when we can.