RIPLEY, Ohio (AP) _ Some members of Congress want the southern Ohio home of a former slave who helped other slaves to freedom brought into the national park system.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty say they have introduced legislation requesting a study of the feasibility of the John P. Parker House and Underground Railroad stop becoming part of the park system.
The Ohio Democrats said in a statement that the former slave who operated a metal foundry in Ripley risked his life to help hundreds of other slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
The president of the John P. Parker Historical Society says adding the National Historic Landmark into the park system would provide more national recognition of Parker’s life and contributions and hopefully increase area tourism.
