Ramsdell House

A historic home located in Ceredo, West Virginia atop what is believed to be an Adena Indian burial mound. Completed in 1858, it is considered one of the last stops of The Underground Railroad before crossing the Ohio River to freedom. Built by Zophar and Almeda Ramsdell, anti-slavery colonists recruited by abolitionist Massachusetts congressman Eli Thayer, to establish an anti-slavery settlement strategically located where Ohio, Kentucky and (then) Virginia come together on the Ohio River, with the purpose of "bringing about a peaceful end to slavery." The 3-fold strategy: non-slave-dependent jobs, an anti-slavery dialogue, and anti-slavery votes. Zophar became a Captain in the Union Army, established the Ceredo Independent School District overseeing 3 "colored schools" and hiring the first black school teacher in the district, was Postmaster, and later served in the WV Legislature. The home is full of original documents and relics. Built for good and always used for good!