Ripley County is named for Eleazer Wheelock Ripley, who was an officer in the War of 1812 and who fought at the Battle of Lundy’s Lane in 1814.
Created: December 27, 1816
County Seat:
Marion 1818
Versailles 1818 – present
County Courthouse – Versailles
Location: 115 North Main Street / Tyson Street
Built: 1860 – 1861
Style: Greek Revival
Architect: Thomas Pattison
Contractor: James L Yates
Description: The building faces east and is a two story red colored brick structure. The building is located at landscaped grounds. The east front projects from the main building and rises to a pediment at the roof line. Above the pediment rises in tiers a square white colored wood clock tower with clock and steep roof at the top.. There are stone headers above the windows. Exterior renovation were completed in 1992. The contractor was Howard J Barth & Associates, Inc.
Note: The first court met at the house of Benjamin Brown in 1816. The previous courthouse was built in Marion in 1821.
Courthouses:
N – Decatur County and Franklin County
E – Dearborn County and Ohio County
S – Switzerland County and Jefferson County
W – Jennings County
Photos taken 2008